Strapping secures buildings damaged by earthquakes

Recent tests reportedly showed that a damaged building repaired using the technique could withstand a major earthquake similar in scale and proximity to the buildings that collapsed during the Haiti earthquake in January 2010. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 145,000 people still remain homeless as a result of the disaster.

The technology involves wrapping metal straps around each floor of the building, which are then tensioned either by hand or using compressed air tools. It is designed for use on reinforced concrete frame buildings – a common construction technique around the world, including countries like Haiti. Unlike other repair methods, it does not require expensive materials or a high level of technical knowledge.

In a statement lead researcher, Prof Kypros Pilakoutas said: ‘The strapping works very much like a weight-lifter’s belt, by keeping everything tightly compressed to reduce tension on the concrete columns of the structure. Concrete works well under compression, but not when pulled under tension and this is why it has to be reinforced for use in construction. When the reinforcement is faulty or damaged, it can be very expensive to repair.