What are the better and safer places for construction? Scientists are looking for an answer to this question. The mobile team is headed to the mountains in order to determine with mathematical precision the areas of potential danger to ground movements. The first studies began in eastern Kazakhstan. The results of scientific work will be included in the updated seismic zoning map of the country. In the future, it will become a checklist for builders who will be able to choose the safest places for residential development. Since 2016, at least two million square meters of housing have been built mainly in the mountainous areas of Oskemen, which are several hundred high-rise buildings. In fact, the builders were guided only by general data on the seismic activity of soils. Since 2011, 22 up to six-magnitude earthquakes have occurred in eastern Kazakhstan.
“After that, a code document for construction will be developed, this is the standardization of ‘Eurocode 8’. This Eurocode is used in all seismic countries. It ensures a safer construction,” said Rinat Amirzhanov, Head of the laboratory in the Institute of Seismology.
Scientists believe that similar research should also be carried out in western Kazakhstan, where unexpected earthquakes are frequent. In fact, with the development of industry and the growth of urbanization, seismic zoning maps in Kazakhstan require significant adjustments.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova
