High-rises here not likely to crumble from light tremors, says expert

Chin says gravity and lateral wind loads are factored into building design consideration.

FOLLOWING public concerns on building safety due to past tremors caused by earthquakes in neighbouring countries, an expert has come forward to assure that buildings constructed according to the requirements of the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) are able to take a low level of ground shake.

“This is because gravity and lateral wind loads are factored into design consideration. This means existing buildings, especially high-rise buildings would have the inherent strength against low seismic activity and ground tremors,” said Chin Lee Leng, a representative of the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEM).