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From the Intensity Earthquake Risk Map above, it is shown that Metro Manila will likely suffer an Intensity 8 (Low 8 to High 8) to Intensity 9 (Low 9) or a Very Destructive Earthquake to a Devastating Earthquake according to PEIS or PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale.

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PEIS or PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale is shown below:

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Intensity 8 and 9 Earthquakes cause heavy damage even on well built buildings. For your structure to be Earthquake safe, the following factors have to be STRONGLY CONSIDERED.

CONSIDERATIONS

1.) DISTANCE FROM FAULT LINE

Check out the Fault Line below and estimate your distance from the fault line. If your property is less than 10 kilometers from the Fault line, you have a higher Earthquake / Seismic Damage Risk.

The above MAP is for the Valley Fault System in Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan and Rizal Only (Updated May 2023)

Below is the updated 2015 Active Faults and Trenches from PHIVOLCS:

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Buildings less than 10 kilometers from the Fault are vulnerable to Earthquake Damage according to the National Structural Code 2015.

Contact us for a structural assessment and a structural retrofit design (structural strengthening of existing structure) could be needed for your structure.

2.) SOIL PROPERTIES

2a.) Soil Stiffness
The Metro Manila Map below is the approximate Soil Stiffness and Profile (After Saldivar Sali, 1992). Please take note that this is a generalization only. We cannot guarantee accuaracy on your lot.

NSCP (National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015) 208.4.3.1 Soil Profile Type and under Table 208-2 Soil Profile Types below:
 

 Sa = Hard Rock

 Sb = Rock

 Sc = Very Dense Soil and Soft Rock

 Sd = Stiff Soil

 Se = Soft Soil

2b.) Soil Liquefaction Hazard

 

Liquefaction (soil liquefaction in particular) is defined in wikipedia as:

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"Soil liquefaction describes a phenomenon where by a saturated or partially saturated soil substantially loses strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, usually earthquake shaking or other sudden change in stress condition, causing it to behave like a liquid."

Liquefaction Hazard Map of Metro Manila (2001). Source: PHIVOLCS

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3.) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTED BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
 

Below is a sample of the structural modeling including Earthquake / Seismic Analysis:

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4.) BUILDING / STRUCTURE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED USING UPDATED 2015 NSCP (National Structural Code of The Philippines)
 

- The Structural Code has been updated in 1992, 2001, 2010 and most recently last 2015. Structures built and designed before 1992 are prone to Earthquake Damage as the structural design may not resist Earthquake forces. Structures designed and constructed using the 2015 National Structural Code can safely resist a magnitude 8 to 9 Earthquake.

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Contact us for a structural assessment and a structural retrofit design (structural strengthening of existing structure) could be needed for your structure. 

 

Suggested Links:

 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/692133/do-you-live-in-quake-zone-new-phivolcs-maps-trace-100-km-west-valley-fault

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/493370/news/nation/buildings-compliant-with-structural-code-can-resist-up-to-magnitude-8-4-quake-expert

 

http://www.mmda.gov.ph/index.php/20-faq/297-safety-of-ph-structures-during-quakes

keywords: house construction
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Is your location Earthquake safe? Find out!

Magnitude and intensity are two distinct measures used to describe earthquakes. Magnitude quantifies the energy released at the earthquake's source, assessed by the Richter or moment magnitude scale. It's a logarithmic scale, meaning each whole number increase represents tenfold amplitude and approximately 31.6 times more energy. Intensity, on the other hand, evaluates the earthquake's effects at specific locations, gauging the impact on people, buildings, and the environment. The Modified Mercalli Intensity scale categorizes intensity from I (not felt) to XII (total destruction). While magnitude provides a global understanding of an earthquake's power, intensity illuminates its local repercussions, crucial for disaster response and preparedness.

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