Earthquake

An Earthquake is the result of a sudden

release of energy in the earth crust that
creates seismic waves.
The intensity of action of tectonic forces.
Energy release associated with rapid
movements.
Earthquake are caused mostly by rupture
of geological faults. Large faults within
the earths crust result from the action of
tectonic forces. Energy release associated
with rapid movement of active faults is
the cause of most earthquake.
Different region in the country are
categorized as per Indian Standard IS
1893 into seismic zones II to V depending
on the severity and frequency of
earthquake potential.
 Earthquake
1) Predict 2) Protect 3) Prepare
1) Predict:- Try to forecast when an
earthquake will happen.
2) Protect:- Construction building so
that they are safe to approximate standard
and using designs to withstand movement.
3) Preparation:- Organise drills and
codes of practice sot that people know what
to do in case of emergency.
1)Predict:- Seismometers. Instrument that
measure the movement of the ground.
Install adequate warning systems.
Warning of the onset of earthquake can
be detected by Government. This involves
the use of special sensing equipment.
Provide information before the
Earthquake strikes.
2)Protect:-
Earthquake proof building.
Pyramid Design.
A wide base leading to thinner point
heads to channel vibrations.
The building is designed not to sway
from side to side.
Large scale dampers can be placed
on the bottom of building to help
absorb the earth vibration.
Cross bracings weight a water tank
at top.
3) Preparation:-
Organize drill.
Emergency kit.
 How Earthquake measured?
The vibrations (waves) which are produced
are seismic waves
Three types of seismic waves:
1. Primary Waves (P-Waves)
2. Secondary Waves(S-Waves) and
3. Surface Waves (L-Waves)
These waves have different patterns of
movement. Earthquake usually has four
shocks and aftershocks. The main
earthquake on the one with the maximum
magnitude is known as the main shock.
Its density is calculated by the magnitude of
seismic waves, measured with the help of a
seismograph. The measurement is taken on
the Richter scale.
 Earthquake in Nepal
It happened in the year April 25, 2015. Its
measurement in the Richter scale was 7.8. It
hits Nepal in the area Katmandu and
Pokhara. It was followed by many powerful
aftershocks and a very powerful one (6.7) hit
Nepal on Sunday April 26. It caused
extensive damage to buildings and thousands
of deaths and injuries and was even felt in
Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Many
buildings and temples have been damaged.
Nearly 8000 deaths in Nepal and tens of
deaths in India & Tibet. The quake was
followed by more than 430 aftershocks and
another huge earth quake (7.4) on May 12.
 Vibration sensors
Strain-sensor cable installed on a chain-
link/barbed-wire fence
These devices are mounted on barriers and
are used primarily to detect an attack on the
structure itself. The technology relies on an
unstable mechanical configuration that
forms part of the electrical circuit. When
movement or vibration occurs, the unstable
portion of the circuit moves and breaks the
current flow, which produces an alarm. The
technology of the devices varies and can be
sensitive to different levels of vibration. The
medium transmitting the vibration must be
correctly selected for the specific sensor as
they are best suited to different types of
structures and configurations.
A rather new and unproven type of sensor
uses piezo-electric components rather than
mechanical circuits, which can be tuned to
be extremely sensitive to vibration.