REALTORS
Scene: Realtors giving away fliers to prospective customers who might be interested in buying lots they
are offering under a popular realty corporation.
Realtor 1 MARI:
Sir/Mam, you might be interested to visit our showrooms, we are located in
Pioneer Street, in Mandaluyong. We are known for giving the best deals. We
offer the most practical, cost efficient and safest so far in the field of housing.
And that’s not all, we can offer you in-house financing at minimal interest and
after one year, you may continue the monthly payment thru Pag-Ibig.
Realtor 2 PAU:
You see, the lots are located in Sun Valley, Antipolo. This city had developed fast
and is identified as one of the best. It is accessible, marketable and the value
has increased as well. Is it safe? What you will buy is designed to endure an
earthquake. And it is not even affected by any fault line at all. Our structural
engineers are well aware that the Philippines is prone to earthquakes, and they
designed our subdivision houses with this consideration in mind. In addition,
building specifications are reviewed every few years.
Realtor 3 ELAINE:
We are here to give you assurance that you are safe. We comply with the revised
2010 National Structural Code of the Philippines. We followed strict requirements
to keep constructions from sustaining major structural damage during calamities.
It is designed to protect homeowners and building occupants. Our company
followed guidelines such as safe locations and the use of high-quality materials.
Realtor 4 PALISOC:
Our company complies with the Code and regardless of its proximity from a fault
line, it can endure up to 8.5 magnitude earthquake. We used the Valley Fault
Map System as guide to identify the risk level in various parts of the country .
There are two major fault lines in the Greater Manila Area. The East Valley Fault
affecting the municipalities of San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal Province. And the
West Valley Fault from the provinces of Bulacan to Cavite, passing through parts
of Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Muntinlupa, as well as parts
of Rizal and Laguna.
Realtor 5 RUSSEL:
One of the reasons why people are advised to buy only from reputable developers
is because these companies, like us, know the importance of following structural
safety standards, both for their buyers’ safety and their brand’s reputation. It is
also important to ensure that the structures was built by licensed engineers,
architects, and contractors, who are more likely to follow the updated building
code. Which we all have.
Realtor 6 ARENAS:
We have a structural soundness certification if contractors and engineers are
diligently following the building code. Ensuring that we are within the standard.
We also provide our clients with this certification and we are proud to say that it
is also displayed near the building’s entrance, since it is a public document.
Realtor 7 JODI:
For the materials of our houses, it is made with the combination of wood, steel
combined with solid reinforced concrete and masonry which are favored
materials for construction especially in fault zones. Increasing its strength.
Our engineers ensures our constructions has solid foundations in order to avoid
it from collapsing during an earthquake. This is why our company made sure that
we use the best materials to withstand even an 8.5 magnitude earthquake.
Realtor 8 VISCA:
Correct. Reinforced beams, trusses and specially designed foundations help
prevent warping and collapse of structures during and after an earthquake. Our
company is offering all these to you. According to PHIVOLCS any structure built
directly above the fault line or is within the 10-meter-wide buffer zone (five
meters on each side of an active fault) are at the highest risk of heavy earthquake
damage. The good news is, the subdivision we offer is not even part of any fault
line.
Realtor 9 DAVES:
We listen to our clients feedback because you are important to us. The
management takes measures by conducting regular earthquake drills to educate
homeowners on the best way to stay safe, where to proceed during such an
event. We have common areas and pathways that are spacious and unobstructed
so that nothing prevents quick and easy emergency evacuation. Backed with our
amenities, we bring value to your money.
Realtor 1 MARI:
We have leaflets here, application forms, sample computations that you may look
at and I have my colleagues who will also assist you if you have questions. We
have tripping schedules everyday so we hope to see you and be part of our
project. Thank you and have a nice day everyone.
Condos offer a variety of advantages, topmost of which are their proximity to key establishments and
central business districts, and their great potential as investment properties. But in light of numerous
news updates regarding earthquakes, people are becoming wary of living in multi-level buildings,
thinking that such a high structure might not be stable enough to withstand strong seismic activities.
This fear is not without basis either. On July 16, 1990, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit
Baguio led to the collapse of 28 buildings. In fact, it was this major catastrophic event that
prompted the critical revision of the National Structural Code of the Philippines in 1992.
Most recently revised in 2010, the National Structural Code of the Philippines is based on the
National Building Code of the Philippines enacted by Congress in 1972 following the 1968 7.3magnitude earthquake in Casiguran, Aurora. It offers a set of requirements for developers and
construction companies that if followed strictly will keep buildings from sustaining major
structural damage. Designed to protect homeowners and building occupants, the Code includes
such guidelines as safe locations for constructing buildings and the use of high-quality materials.
Major condo developers and construction companies assure buyers that their projects are
generally safe. In an interview with GMA News, Megawide Construction Corporation vicepresident Ronald Paulo said that compared to buildings in other Asian countries, structures in the
Philippines are designed to be able to endure up to magnitude-8 earthquakes. Paulo explained
that the country’s structural engineers are well aware that the Philippines is prone to earthquakes
(being situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire), and thus they design our buildings with this
consideration in mind. In addition, building specifications are reviewed every few years.
In a separate interview with GMA News, Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines
(ASEP) head Engr. Carlos Villaraza said that as long as a building complies with the Code, it can
withstand a magnitude-8.4 earthquake, regardless of its proximity from a fault line.
However, in an Inquirer.net piece by University of the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineer
professor Benito M. Pacheco, he pointed out that a number of new low-, mid-, and high-rise
buildings are still noncompliant with current government standards. This might be because some
buildings are non-engineered structures, some are built based on a much older set of standards,
and some engineers reportedly “optimize” their structural design to reduce the initial
construction cost.
Keeping in mind that no structure is literally “earthquake-proof,” what do buyers need to pay
attention to when choosing a condo that’s as close to being indestructible as possible?
1. The Location
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) released the Valley Fault
Map System as a guide to determine the level of risk of various parts of the country in the event
of an earthquake.
According to the map, there are two major fault lines in the Greater Manila Area. The East
Valley Fault traverses the municipalities of San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal Province. On the
other hand, the West Valley Fault runs from the provinces of Bulacan to Cavite, passing through
parts of Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Muntinlupa, as well as parts of Rizal
and Laguna.
PHIVOLCS warns that any structure built directly above the fault line or is within the 10-meterwide buffer zone (five meters on each side of an active fault) are at the highest risk of heavy
earthquake damage.
2. The Company Behind the Structure
One of the reasons why people are advised to buy condos only from reputable developers is
because these companies know the importance of following structural safety standards, both for
their buyers’ safety and their brand’s reputation. It is also important to ensure that the condo was
built by duly licensed engineers, architects, and contractors, who are more likely to follow the
updated building code.
3. A Certification for Structural Soundness
A building is issued a structural soundness certification if contractors and engineers are
diligently following the building code, so be sure to ask the condo owner or association if they
have one. You may also check if one is prominently displayed near the building’s entrance, since
it is a public document.
4. The Physical Appearance of the Structure
See to it that the building has no major structural damage, such as foundation cracks, which can
compromise its stability. Should the building be relatively older and have wear and tear, the
management should have taken measures to repair these and keep them from worsening.
5. Additional Measures
Many condo associations prepare their residents by regularly conducting earthquake drills to
educate them on the best way to stay safe, as well as where to proceed during such an event. It is
also important to make sure that the condos’ common areas and pathways are spacious and
unobstructed so that nothing impedes a quick and easy emergency evacuation.
Pyramids usually withstand earthquakes the best, and triangular shaped supports. This is due to
the low number of sides creating a stronger shape. If you've ever seen San Francisco's
Transamerica Building up close, you'll know that it's a tall pyramid with triangular supports at
the bottom.Nov 20, 2016
Wood and steel have more give than stucco, unreinforced concrete, or masonry, and they are favored
materials for building in fault zones. Skyscrapers everywhere must be reinforced to withstand strong
forces from high winds, but in quake zones, there are additional considerations.
One way to to make a simple structure more resistant to these lateral forces is to tie the walls, floor,
roof, and foundations into a rigid box that holds together when shaken by a quake. The most dangerous
building construction, from an earthquake point of view, is unreinforced brick or concrete block.
The Passage of time is one reason. Buildings also collapse due to weak foundations. Earthquakes,
hurricanes and other natural disasters can also damage the structure of the buildings and cause it to
collapse. Bombings or demolition of buildings is also other reasons.
Earthquake-resistant structures are structures designed to protect buildings from earthquakes. While
no structure can be entirely immune to damage from earthquakes, the goal of earthquake-resistant
construction is to erect structures that fare better during seismic activity than their conventional
counterparts.
What do engineers do to prevent buildings from collapsing during an earthquake?
Reinforced beams and trusses can also help prevent warping and collapse of buildings and
structures during and after an earthquake. Specially designed foundations for buildings and
structures can also help limit damage.
How can you prevent a building from collapsing?
Building Collapse: Some Precautions You Must Take
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Secure your sweet home from collapse with these effective measures. ...
Check the Foundation. ...
Build Earthquake-Proof Constructions. ...
Avoid Major Alterations. ...
Awareness of the construction area.
How to Make A Building Earthquake-Proof
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Create a Flexible Foundation. One way to resist ground forces is to “lift” the building's
foundation above the earth. ...
Counter Forces with Damping. You might be aware that cars have shock absorbers. ...
Shield Buildings from Vibrations. ...
Reinforce the Building's Structure.
Where is the safest place to be during an earthquake?
From this came our belief that a doorway is the safest place to be during an earthquake. Trueif you live in an old, unreinforced adobe house. In modern houses, doorways are no stronger than
any other part of the house. You are safer under a table.
What materials are used to make a building earthquake proof?
Brick and concrete buildings have low ductility and therefore absorb very little energy. This
makes them especially vulnerable in even minor earthquakes. Buildings constructed of steelreinforced concrete, on the other hand, perform much better because the embedded steel
increases the ductility of the material.
What are the specification of an earthquake proof building?
One way to to make a simple structure more resistant to these lateral forces is to tie the walls,
floor, roof, and foundations into a rigid box that holds together when shaken by a quake.
engineers have constructed skyscrapers that float on systems of ball bearings, springs and padded
cylinders.
What are the 5 major fault lines in the Philippines?
There are five active fault lines in the country namely the Western Philippine Fault, the Eastern
Philippine Fault, the South of Mindanao Fault, Central Philippine Fault and the
Marikina/Valley Fault System
What is the best shape for an earthquake proof building?
Pyramids usually withstand earthquakes the best, and triangular shaped supports. This is due to the low
number of sides creating a stronger shape. If you've ever seen San Francisco's Transamerica Building up
close, you'll know that it's a tall pyramid with triangular supports at the bottom.Nov 20, 2016
What shape is best for earthquake resistant buildings? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/What-shape-is-best-for-earthquake-resistant-buildings
Search for: What is the best shape for an earthquake proof building?
Are brick buildings safe in an earthquake?
The vast majority of brick and stone buildings constructed before the 1940s are unreinforced masonry
(URM). ... Unreinforced masonry buildings are vulnerable because the walls and parapets aren't securely
tied to the floors and roof. In an earthquake, parapets can break away, walls pull apart and the floors
collapse.Aug 10, 2015
What types of buildings collapse during earthquakes?
Instead, deaths from earthquakes result from the collapse of buildings and falling objects in
them, fires, and tsunamis. The type of construction that causes the most fatal injuries in
earthquakes is unreinforced brick, stone, or concrete buildings that tend not to be flexible and
to collapse when shaken.
What do engineers do to prevent buildings from collapsing during an earthquake?
Reinforced beams and trusses can also help prevent warping and collapse of buildings and
structures during and after an earthquake. Specially designed foundations for buildings and
structures can also help limit damage.
Is it better to stay inside or outside during an earthquake?
Don't run outside. Trying to run in an earthquake is dangerous, as the ground is moving and
you can easily fall or be injured by debris or glass. Running outside is especially dangerous, as
glass, bricks, or other building components may be falling. Again, you are much safer to stay
inside and get under a table.Oct 19, 2011
Where's the best place to stand during an earthquake?
DO NOT stand in a doorway: An enduring earthquake image of California is a collapsed adobe
home with the door frame as the only standing part. From this came our belief that a doorway is
the safest place to be during an earthquake. True- if you live in an old, unreinforced adobe
house or some older woodframe houses.
What to do in an Earthquake
There are number of things you can do to stay safe during an earthquake. Remember, for earthquake
emergency assistance from the SES call 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call triple-zero (000).
Please do not phone emergency services for general advice.
For earthquake information, please phone Geoscience Australia on 1800 655 739.
If you are indoors during an earthquake
Ensure you do the following if you are indoors during an earthquake:
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DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and
HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and
head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as
lighting fixtures or furniture.
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a
pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the
nearest safe place.
Do not use a doorway except if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway and it
is close to you. Many inside doorways are lightly constructed and do not offer protection.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Do not exit a building during the
shaking. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to
move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
DO NOT use the elevators.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
If you are outdoors during an earthquake
Ensure you do the following if you are outdoors during an earthquake:
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Stay there.
Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
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Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside
buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls.
If you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake
Ensure you do the following if you are in a moving vehicle during an earthquake:
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Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings,
trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might
have been damaged by the earthquake.
If you are trapped under debris
Ensure you do the following if you are trapped under debris during or after an earthquake:
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Do not light a match.
Do not move around or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a
last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
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Do and don'ts during earthquake?
Here are the five dos and don'ts to be followed during an earthquake: Take cover
under a strong table or any other piece of furniture and stay put until the shaking stops. ...
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped and always avoid roads, bridges
that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
Is it better to be upstairs or downstairs during an earthquake?
- It is safer upstairs. In major earthquakes, it is usually safer upstairs than being on ground
level. It can be dangerous trying to run hastily downstairs. First of all, calm down and look
around before you do anything.
Should you leave a building during an earthquake?
In an earthquake, if you are on an upper story of a building, do not try to leave the building
during the earthquake. ... Taking cover is the only way to protect from falling debris, the main
source of injury in an earthquake. You do not know when you first feel the shaking how large
the earthquake will be
\
What are the 4 types of faults?
There are three different types of faults: Normal, Reverse, and Transcurrent (Strike-Slip).
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Normal faults form when the hanging wall drops down. ...
Reverse faults form when the hanging wall moves up. ...
Transcurrent or Strike-slip faults have walls that move sideways, not up or down.
What are the major fault lines in the Philippines?
 There are five active fault lines in the country namely the Western Philippine Fault, the
Eastern Philippine Fault, the South of Mindanao Fault, Central Philippine Fault and
the Marikina/Valley Fault System.
How far from fault line is safe?
What is the minimum distance that a house or building should be from a fault line to be
considered safe ? According to Paterno Esmaquel II of GMA News (March 14, 2011 / 8:31
A.M.), PHIVOLCS stated “Constructions Must Also Make Way For A 5-Meters Buffer Zone On
Both Sides Of An Active Fault
Why is it important to know the location of faults in the Philippines?
Geologists study faults to better understand where large earthquakes originate. ... Knowing the
location of active faults is important so that planners and developers can avoid building houses
or other structures, which would be destroyed when the fault breaks the Earth's surface, on the
faults.
Do you live near an active fault?
Active fault. An active fault is a fault that is likely to become the source of another earthquake
sometime in the future. Geologists commonly consider faults to be active if there has been
movement observed or evidence of seismic activity during the last 10,000 years.
Is it safe to live on the Ring of Fire?
It's quite dangerous to live in the pacific ring of fire knowing that countries in that area are
more prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. You will be more exposed to
natural calamities. ... so think twice before moving in a place that is part of the pacific ring of
fire
What is the longest fault in the Philippines?
The Marikina Valley Fault System, also known as the Valley Fault System (VFS), is a
dominantly dextral strike-slip fault system in Luzon, Philippines.