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Many of the deaths in the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir were caused by roofs falling on the occupants inside.Ìý This was compounded by rescuers unable to get any heavy lifting gear to the region and being unable to lift the heavy roofs to get to the survivors inside.

The Teesside team decided to design and build some prototype earthquake resistant housing, that would overcome the problems caused by the traditional Kuccha housing when the earthquake struck.

There are significant design and construction problems in both concrete and Kuccha housing.Ìý Typical problems are that the roof and walls are unconnected, there is no restraint at key structural junctions, namely column / beam connections (in the UKÌýthe cement, and sand ratio is typically 1:3 or 1:5 but in AJK of the order 1:25), and the poor quality mortar and concrete used.

Irrespective of the geotechnical problems, the local people will continue to live and work in theÌýlocality.Ìý Therefore we had two key objectives, to design earthquake resistant structures and to pass on the construction knowledge and techniques to the people living there.

The construction used traditionally is very basic and there is a lack of technical knowledge, as sons follow fathers or uncles and make the same mistakes. Simple everyday tools, such as a spirit levels, could make a significant difference.

Earthquake resistant house

The Design

The final design had to recognise the need to use local materials and labour. The design is modular and is basically four cubes in a T formation which move and react independently of each other, so if the ground subsides below one cube, it does not take the whole building with it.

Traditional pitch roofs use lots of timber with little or no understanding of structural integrity. We have designed a lighter roof, using less timber and small cross-sections, which react together. Should an earthquake damage the reinforced block work cubes, the roof itself could be used asÌý temporary shelter. If the roof is damaged it can be accessed via lightweight profiled sheet cladding.

Construction is well underway

We have also designed piped water systems to avoid heavyweight water tanks on the roof. These tanks cause severe problems when they crash down from the roof during anÌý earthquake. Electricity generally goes off around 7pm, therefore a simple generator system and, moreÌýimportantly, an earthed system was designed. A small sewage treatment plant makes a big difference. Gastroenteritis and similar problems appear to be endemic due to lack of hygiene and facilities.

Among the other initial problems we faced was that there was no road. A 1.5 km road including a box culvert stream crossing had to be constructed for the paved road. Also, the materials demanded was immense as people tried to reconstruct their homes and workplaces. The local materials production was overwhelmed. Materials which have to travel up the mountains from Rawalpindi in Bedford Rockets, a journey of some 15 hours.

Current Progress

We have constructed three two-bed multi-use buildings. One is nearly complete, though the other two need finishing. The main problem is money. We need £25,000 to complete. The Department for International Development gives aid to AJK, but not to individual organisations.