Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Aug. 29 / Trend H.Hasanov /
Issues of a seismic hazard assessment and development of special structures are the problems being solved by engineering seismology and earthquake engineering, the Research Institute of Earthquake Engineering of Turkmenistan says.
An article published in the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper states that as information is accumulated, seismic zoning maps are improved which in turn evaluates the requirements for seismic-resistant construction. The main purpose is to provide seismic protection and minimise damage to the people and cities where seismically active zones are a hazard.
The competence of the institute specialists includes issues relating to the improvement of methods for calculating seismic loads on buildings and structures, production of new building materials based on local raw materials and on that basis, seismic design and an increase in the durability and reliability of structures.
The article says that the institute conducts research towards improving the calculation of buildings and structures on seismic effects depending on the spectrum of the earthquake and the dynamic properties of the structures. This is as well as providing expert monitoring of the construction works on site and the quality of construction materials for compliance with the building standards of Turkmenistan.
'As international experience shows, earthquake engineering is still the only protection against earthquakes. Guarantees of the safety of buildings is an assurance of the safety of people, the country's most important resource', the article says.
Today Turkmenistan is building nearly 2000 facilities worth $35.4 billion. The construction industry is one of the priority sectors of the economy.