Terms of reference for Seismic consultant
1. History of earthquakes in Pakistan
Earthquake activity in Pakistan is mainly concentrated in the north and western sections of the country,
along the boundary of the Indian plate and the Iranian and Afghan micro-plates. The Chaman Fault runs
along Pakistan's western frontier with Afghanistan from Kalat, in the northern Makran range, past
Quetta and then on to Kabul, Afghanistan. A fault also runs along the Makran coast and is believed to be
of the same nature as the West Coast fault along the coast of Maharashtra, India. An active subduction
zone exists off the Makran coast.
This zone forms the boundary between the Arabian and the Iranian micro-plate, where the former
subducts or dives beneath the latter. Thrust zones run along the Kirthar, Sulaiman and Salt ranges. There
are four faults in and around Karachi and other parts of deltaic Indus, and Makran coast.
2. Background of the emergency floods response
In August 2010, Pakistan experienced the worst monsoon-related floods in recent history. Heavy rains
triggered flash and riverine floods in several parts of Pakistan. 1.7 million Houses were damaged or
destroyed completely leaving over 18 million people without shelter, about 1,700 people have died. 74
out of total 132 districts have been affected by floods and heavy rains throughout Pakistan. The floods
have destroyed many dikes, embankments and other infrastructure (water channels, link roads and rural
infrastructure). These not only need to be rebuilt, but drastically improved to prevent future similar
disastrous effect
3. Project area and context
The CARE Pakistan shelter project is spread out on three geographical areas of KPK, Sindh and South
Punjab. The project seeks to assist vulnerable communities and individual beneficiaries to build back
better and safer. It underscores the need to have technically sound constructions that can mitigate
against perennial floods as well as earthquakes. It further seeks to utilize locally available materials
from sustainable sources. It underpins on the need to formulate designs that are culturally acceptable
and sustainable.
CARE Pakistan recognizes the strengths exhibited by the different cultural practices and the distinct role
women play in the families.
4. CARE Pakistan Shelter strategy
The primary objective of the shelter intervention is to reduce the physical vulnerability of flood affected
households through the provision of shelter materials and activities that facilitate safe reconstruction of
shelters that can effectively reduce the effects of floods as well as mitigate against other hazards
notably earthquakes in KPK.
5. Purpose of the consultancy
The objective of the consultancy is by and large to review and propose sound seismically resistant one
roomed permanent shelter designs, that take into consideration indigenous designs and ensure that
they are not only integrated into current housing designs but are adopted and implemented for
sustainable housing.
6. Specific tasks
a. Review existing one storey domestic dwellings designs developed by for earthquake prone areas
in Pakistan.
b. Develop in consultation with specific target community’s designs that are culturally acceptable
and sustainable. Bearing in mind both technological as well as material and cost benefits.
c. Provide detailed BOQ with specifications.
d. Provide seismic calculations.
e. Provide detailed working drawings
f. Provide illustrations for training purposes
g. Conduct trainings to CARE Implementing partners
h. Analyze the suitability of local materials in project location against materials from other areas.
i. Prepare step by step quality control checklist
7. Expected out put
a. Review existing designs developed by ERRA (Earthquake Reconstruction and
Rehabilitation Authority), UNHABITAT for earthquake prone areas, specifically KP.
b. Prepare and develop designs, specifications and BOQ for the target project area.
c. Prepare and analyze seismic load calculations with reference to appropriate national
and international codes that are applicable to the project area.
d. Conduct trainings for CARE and IP engineers.
e. Prepare a quality control check list.
8. Time Frame
Two months
9. Essential Person Specification
a. Internationally recognized and qualified structural engineer with a qualification in seismic
engineering.
b. Proven experience in designing simple domestic dwellings in earthquake prone areas of
Pakistan.
c.
Experience of designing the structural aspects of single story houses in post earthquake contexts
internationally.
d. Good understanding of local environment, cultural dynamics, characteristics of materials and
building techniques while incorporating disaster risk reduction mechanisms
e. Understanding of Government of Pakistan building codes and standards.
f.
Ability to lead discussions, conduct trainings to local construction workers, masons, carpenter,
technicians and engineers.
g. Experience of working with INGOs.
h. Respect for CARE’s principles and values.
i.
Fluent in local languages of the earth quake prone zones is a plus but not a pre requisite.