How To Build Safer Houses With Confined Masonry

This Guide is intended for the training of professional masons in confined masonry. It can be used as a building guide at construction sites or as a training resource. It is presented in a simple manner and explains in a step-by-step sequence how to build a one or two-storey confined masonry house.

"In many of the most earthquake-prone areas of the world, low-rise houses, built by masons without formal training or self-built, are vulnerable to collapse. This guide focuses on the confined masonry technique which offers excellent results of earthquake resistance in countries where it is part of the building code. They have been developed by practitioners rather than by engineers, and therefore respond well to the technical and financial capacities of small-scale contractors and self-builders. Confined masonry uses the same materials as the widely used reinforced-concrete frame technique, but in a different sequence, making the system more simple and forgiving. Constructing Low-rise Confined Masonry Buildings describes these techniques with clear and concise instructions. Punctuated regularly with illustrations and photos throughout, this guide carefully describes basic rules for the selection of safe building sites and for house layouts, whilst giving detailed instructions on the construction process. Photos include examples to highlight both safe and unsafe practices paired with clear explanations. The guide gives indications on practical detailing of confined masonry but also includes basic information on good construction practice in general. This is an essential handbook for building technicians, construction managers, architects and students of architecture and civil engineering in areas regularly affected by earthquakes or for those following practical training on confined masonry building sites"--

"Across the globe, a consensus is emerging on the central importance of risk information in disaster risk management. When risks are quantified and the potential impacts of hazards are anticipated, governments, communities, and individuals are able to make more informed decisions. This publication highlights some of the influential efforts—by technical specialists, institutions, and governments around the world—to create and communicate risk information quickly and at low cost, to improve the quality and transparency of risk information, and to enable more local engagement in the production of authoritative risk information than ever before. Case studies spanning 40 countries and contributed by more than 50 institutions showcase emerging best practices, demonstrate how risk assessments are being used to inform disaster risk management and broader development, and highlight lessons learned through these efforts. "

This book compiles papers presented during the 5th International Conference on Sustainable Civil Engineering Structures and Construction Materials (SCESCM) held virtually in December 2020. This is the fifth edition of this conference series; the theme for the 5th SCESCM is “Transforming the World, Foster the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” and it focuses on various issues, novel findings, as well as developments in the area of civil and infrastructure, conforming to the SDGs. This book caters to postgraduate students, researchers, and practitioners involved in advocating and embedding sustainability in various phases of design, construction and maintenance of civil engineering structures and infrastructure facilities.

Engineering disciplines have a pivotal role to play in the solution of global humanitarian challenges, enabling our society to take steps towards sustainable human development. Engineering can be used as the catalyst for the change that the world needs; from water supply to renewable energy provision, engineering knowledge and application underpin the responses needed for us all to pursue a sustainable future. Because the issue of humanitarianism is not just engineering problems, there is a need to engage with professionals, breakdown previously siloed approaches and obdurate practices, and introduce interdisciplinary education and training to enhance combinational expertise. Transcending Humanitarian Engineering Strategies for Sustainable Futures provides relevant theoretical frameworks and the latest empirical research findings in the area of humanitarian engineering as a means for future-proofing our communities. Covering topics such as disaster mitigation, natural hazards, and land use change, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for engineers, environmentalists, sociologists, anthropologists, urban planners, government officials, students and educators of higher education, non-profit organizations, researchers, and academicians.

Urban Disasters and Resilience in Asia presents the latest information on the intensity and frequency of disasters. Specifically, the fact that, in urban areas, more than 50% of the world's population is living on just 2% of the land surface, with most of these cities located in Asia and developing countries that have high vulnerability and intensification. The book offers an in-depth and multidisciplinary approach to reducing the impact of disasters by examining specific evidence from events in these areas that can be used to develop best practices and increase urban resilience worldwide. As urban resilience is largely a function of resilient and resourceful citizens, building cities which are more resilient internally and externally can lead to more productive economic returns. In an era of rapid urbanization and increasing disaster risks and vulnerabilities in Asian cities, Urban Disasters and Resilience in Asia is an invaluable tool for policy makers, researchers, and practitioners working in both public and private sectors. Explores a broad range of aspects of disaster and urban resiliency, including environmental, economic, architectural, and engineering factors Bridges the gap between urban resilience and rural areas and community building Provides evidence-based data that can lead to improved disaster resiliency in urban Asia Focuses on Asian cities, some of the most densely populated areas on the planet, where disasters are particularly devastating

"Offers overview of applications of geosciences to sustainable development and geophilanthropic efforts worldwide, and offers advice to guide creation of development projects. Primacy of geologic input to all development activities is highlighted along with problems that are encountered and environmental issues that must be addressed" --