Building Standards for Earthquake Safety
By RISC | 2 weeks ago
What Lessons Must We Learn from the Earthquake?Earthquakes are rare in Thailand but they’re still important for building structure…How much does structural integrity matter?Why guarantee structural strength when buildings seem to last a hundred years anyway?These questions got their answer on 28 March when the earthquake tested the skills of structural engineers and construction professionals.Design and structural calculation for complex buildings—especially large-scale and high-rise structures, religious buildings, and public-use facilities—are regulated under the Building Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979). These building must comply with earthquake resistance requirements, such as those specified in the Ministerial Regulation on Load, Resistance, and Durability of Buildings and Soils in Earthquake Resistance B.E. 2564 (2021), an updated version of the 2007 regulation, as well as the Ministry of Interior Announcement on Structural Design for Earthquake Resistance B.E. 2564 (2021).The earthquake caused damage ranging from minor to severe—even to recent buildings under the new regulations. Professionals in structural engineering and related disciplines should now re-evaluate standards, analyze deeper issues, and determine how new buildings should be designed going forward.Is the current legislation adequate? Or do we need to revise it? Can we check the effectiveness of building designs and structural calculations before construction using simulations, wind tunnel testing, or other evaluation tools?Should legal provisions set higher safety levels based on site-specific seismic risk assessments?What about residential housing—such as detached homes, townhouses, or shophouses—that are not subject to the structural regulations? How can they be made safer? The Land Allocation Act and the standard contracts for land and housing set a structural warranty—covering foundations, columns, beams, floors, roof structures, and load-bearing walls—for only 5 years from the date of ownership transfer. Should this also be reconsidered?Structural engineering isn’t the only factor affecting occupant safety. Architectural design, interior design, MEP systems, and building components all need thorough re-evaluation as well.As an organization committed to developing sustainable and healthy building design standards, RISC offers the following key earthquake-related design considerations:1. Glass panels – Should not fall when cracked or when the structure shifts. Laminated glass should be used for façades, doors, windows, and railings. Frameless glass doors, especially large ones, should be avoided in high-risk areas.2. Swimming pools – Infinity pools should have barriers at least 1.2 meters high or be set back at least 2 meters from the edge of buildings, to protect users and neighboring properties from accidental falls or overflowing water during emergencies.3. Interior walls – Often concealed by finishes or wallpaper, which may hide moisture, mold, or cracks, making it difficult to assess damage or water leakage.4. Heavy furniture and decorative items – Should be securely anchored to floors or walls. Cabinets should have locks or railings to prevent contents from falling. Items that may swing or shake, like light fixtures, air conditioners, or signage, must have strong anchoring systems.5. Automatic doors – Common in offices and malls, should be designed to remain open during emergencies and be tested regularly.6 Water pipes should not be embedded in structural components – Leaks can be difficult to detect and repair, especially after seismic events. Emergency drainage should be included in communal corridors, especially in condominiums, to prevent flooding of units or elevator machine rooms.7. Evacuation routes – Must be clearly defined, equipped with emergency lighting and signage, and regularly communicated and rehearsed with building occupants.8. Alarm systems and refuge areas – Essential for all buildings, particularly public buildings and high-rises. They provide temporary safe zones while waiting for rescue teams during emergencies.These are just a few examples of standards that could benefit a wider range of buildings. RISC remains committed to research and innovation to support the design and construction of safer, healthier homes and buildings—with the well-being of occupants as the top priority.This real-world test serves as a wake-up call for buildings that were unaffected, or those not yet designed with seismic survival in mind. If public awareness fades and no changes are made, this earthquake will not be the last lesson.Safety isn’t about luck, and standards can’t be negotiated—they must evolve and improve continuously.Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISCFor more information, please visitMinisterial Regulation on Load Bearing, Resistance, and Durability of Buildings and Ground Supporting Structures Against Earthquakes (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/A/016/T_0013.PDFMinistry of Interior Announcement on Structural Design and Calculation for Earthquake Resistance (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/275/T_0016.PDFEmergency Medical Committee Announcement on Basic Life Support Standards Outside Medical Facilities (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/293/T_0057.PDFMinisterial Regulation on Facilities in Buildings for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly (No. 2) (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/A/016/T_0019.PDFLand Allocation Act (2000): https://download.asa.or.th/03media/04law/lsa/lsa43-upd02.pdfCentral Land Allocation Committee Announcement on Standard Form of Land Purchase Agreement (2002): https://www.dol.go.th/estate/DocLib18/scan0003.pdf