Tips for Creating an Ideal and Safe Building Structure Against Earthquakes

Every house and residence has its own value to its owner. Therefore, it is not surprising that everyone wants to build and own a solid, aesthetically pleasing, and functional house. In this context, proper building structure planning becomes the foundation of everything. Essentially, the building structure can be understood as the parts that make up the building. All involved variables, starting from the foundation, beams, walls, columns, rings, trusses, to the roof, must be planned in detail and carefully, resulting in a house that meets the owner’s desires.

There are several ways you can achieve a solid and functional structure, one of which is by consulting a trusted architect. To help you understand this topic further, here are some tips for building a sturdy structure and how to secure it against damage threats including earthquakes.

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Tips for Creating a Strong and Safe Building Structure

When you build a house, the budget and time allocation given are clearly not insignificant. The main hope is that the house can be realized according to the plan, durable, and can be used for the next generation.

This can be realized if the execution of house construction is done well, from planning, execution, to the finishing stage. It is also important to consider that Indonesia is located in a megathrust earthquake-prone area, so other variables need to be added when considering building a house with a strong structural framework. There are several factors that can trigger buildings to be less durable, even with a high risk of collapsing in a short time. Among them:

• The foundation of the building is not solid.
• Choosing building materials that are of poor quality or not in accordance with technical calculations.
• Errors in planning.
• Execution that is not disciplined or not in accordance with the architect's plan.

Therefore, in response to this, there are several points that can be shared in the context of tips for creating a strong building structure.

1. Make sure you can withstand the load as planned.

The foundation is a fundamental aspect of a building's structure. If the foundation is strong, it can support the load above it well, and the construction tends to be sturdier. Therefore, choose a building structure that is suitable for the construction area.

In the context of Indonesia, pay attention to the planning that is done and adjust it to the existing environmental risks. So, consult well and obtain a suitable plan. Regarding this matter, you also need to understand the load calculations that must be done. Some of the main load variables that need to be calculated are as follows:

• Live loads (people, vehicles, and other loads that can vary in size)
• Dead loads (building loads, or types of loads that are projected to remain relatively constant)
• Earthquake loads (loads that arise due to an earthquake, considering the height and weight of the building)
• Wind loads (loads caused by wind movement, especially on tall buildings)
• Rain loads (loads that will affect the roof structure)
• Sea wave loads (loads that affect the stability of buildings due to sea water)

2. Implementation of Construction Discipline

The imperfection of the structure and final result of the house often also stems from the behavior of the executors. Certainly, without discounting the dedicated builders and team who truly aim to realize your dream home, there are still individuals who intentionally do not follow the initial planning for personal gain.

Therefore, ensure that the implementation of construction is carried out with discipline, from measurements, materials used, duration of work, and all related variables, execute according to the plan that has been recommended and agreed upon.

3. Quality and Ideal Materials

The choice of materials will clearly affect the total costs incurred. But at the same time, quality materials will also support the realization of a durable and functional dream home, making it a long-term residence.

The selection of materials cannot be done carelessly, considering there are many grades for each building material available in the market. It is not necessary to choose the most expensive, but select what suits your needs for the residence that will be built.

4. Consider the Proportions of Each Part

As mentioned earlier, a building structure has many variables within it. These variables not only serve the function of aesthetics but also other fundamental functions to support the strength of the house you have.

Therefore, careful calculations of the size, shape, and materials used must be made. Consider the proportions of each part, such as columns, foundations, roofs, and so on, so that the house remains proportionate without neglecting its fundamental function as a structure.

5. Do not hesitate to consult with an expert

The use of architect services in the planning and calculation of house construction is highly recommended. Architects are professionals who specifically focus on this field, so the recommendations provided will serve as an ideal reference for you.

Indeed, the services offered cannot be considered economical. But at least the final result of the house you get will be ideal and meet the scientific and building principles standards, thus making its durability reliable in the long term.

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How to Secure Building Structures

A constructed building ideally has a clear and careful calculation. Furthermore, several tips to secure building structures over time can be applied so that the durability provided can last long without any negative variables affecting it. For example, you can routinely inspect the existing building structure. This method can be applied to detect any damage as early as possible and respond to it wisely. Also, do not forget to pay attention to the drainage of the house to prevent water from stagnant. The existing drainage must be ensured to always be smooth and not blocked.

Next, always address any cracks that appear as soon as possible with the appropriate measures to prevent them from spreading and becoming a major issue. Protect the building from things that could damage the structural integrity, such as tree roots, to keep your home in good and safe condition. The use of quality building materials will always be emphasized to ensure you do not compromise quality for savings, especially on the main structure. Finally, perform maintenance and renovations regularly to keep the condition of your home in prime shape over time. It's not practical or easy, but these steps are necessary to ensure your home is always in its best condition.

Wisely Address the Potential for Damage and Earthquakes

Besides what was mentioned in the previous points, addressing the potential for damage and earthquakes that may occur must be done. Being in a megathrust earthquake-prone area, ideally every house in Indonesia should have a building structure oriented towards this risk to reduce potential losses in the future.

Strategic steps that can be taken include:

• Using pads made of natural rubber sheets and steel plates to reduce horizontal movement.
•  Building a flexible foundation. Implementing the seismic invisibility cloak innovation by installing plastic and concrete rings buried beneath the building's foundation.
• Reinforcing the building structure with shear wall technology, diagonal bracing, and overall frame resilience.
• Ensure you have reliable Home Insurance that can help reduce losses when damage occurs.

With the right preparation, the risks of potential losses can be minimized along with safety risks during an earthquake. Maximum effort must be given, so that your home and the people you love can endure for a long time in that dwelling.

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In the end, understanding the structure of a good building can help you realize your dream home. I hope the little information above can be useful in the process of building your dream residence, so that it becomes a home for a long time without any structural issues.

Of course, reliable home insurance to anticipate existing risks will refer to products from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia. After understanding the ins and outs of building structure, protection from various risks must be provided. SmartHome insurance from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia is ready to be your partner in this, with protection and benefits against various risks that may occur (fire, earthquakes, landslides, floods, as well as theft or other causes of loss). With protection from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia, you can gain peace of mind because your dream residence will have the right 'safety net'. Contact us now and get reliable insurance products every day.

Referensi:

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• https://www.smsperkasa.com/blog/tips-membuat-konstruksi-bangunan-yang-kuat-dan-kokoh#Tips_Membuat_Konstruksi_Bangunan_yang_Kuat_dan_Tahan_Lama
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