SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC.

An Adaptation of Triangular Earthquake Proof Auditorium for Disaster

Readiness and Risk Reduction

A Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.

City of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements of the Subject Work Immersion

Research Project

By:

Castillo, Mark Daniel S.

Costales, Jasmine Faith F.
Dizon, Jermel N.
Salinas, Jessica Pearl C.
Sangarios, Erica R.

December 2017
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers deeply express their profound gratitude and sincere

appreciation to the following persons who helped them in preparation of this

research.

Ms. Janille Javier, their research adviser, for her patience and help to finish

this study.

Mr. Abraham Cantor, their class adviser, for his substantive comments and

suggestions in this research.

Mr. John Paul Udal, their research teacher, for his patience and guidance for

a clearer direction in this research.

Mr. Andrew Mark Arizala, their science teacher, for teaching them the basic

knowledge about the field study and for his encouragement to finish this study.

The Librarian for providing the needed reading materials to complete our

research paper.

The Grade 11 STEM students, their respondents, for cooperating to answer

their survey questionnaire in this study.

Almighty God, most of all, for giving them the wisdom, knowledge and

strength to complete and accomplish the research.

All Glory to God!

 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC.

ABSTRACT
Title: An Adaptation of Triangular Earthquake Proof Auditorium for
Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction

Researchers: Mark Daniel S. Castillo

Jasmine Faith F. Costales
Jermel N. Dizon
Jessica Pearl C. Salinas
Erica R. Sangarios

Institution: SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.

Year: 2017

Adviser: Janille Javier

This study was conducted to propose a triangular earthquake resistant

auditorium for disaster readiness and risk reduction. It made used of descriptive type
of research.
The percentage was to determine the perception of the students on the
triangular earthquake proof auditorium for disaster readiness and risk reduction.
The findings showed the students’ perception in the items number 4 & 10 with
both having a percentage of 94.74%, majority of the students found that SJDM
Cornerstone Triangular Auditorium is as sufficient enough to improve the quality of
the school. They also find that SJDM Cornerstone Triangular Auditorium will result a
good school status in Bulacan. This means that the students were positive that the
triangular structure is the best way to construct the auditorium to help in reducing
disasters and risks.
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC.

Table of Contents
PAGE

TITLE PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction
Background of the study
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation
Definition of Terms

CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Foreign Literature
Local Literature
Foreign Studies
Local Studies
Synthesis and Relevance of the Reviewed Related
Literature and Studies

CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Discussion
List of Materials Used
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APPENDICES

A. Pictures of model / output and the materials used

B. Working pictures (document/timeline)
C. Letters used
D. Curriculum vitae

REFERENCE
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CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

When designing a building structure, architects and engineers consider

many factors, including all of the outside force – the pushes and pulls that the

structure may encounter. Weather and other natural forces such as earthquakes

can apply stress to structures. Certain shapes, such as rectangles, circles,

squares and triangles are stronger than others, depending on how these forces

affect them. A shape that equally distributes a force along all of its side is

especially stable.

The proposed conceptual auditorium functions as an earthquake resistant

as a preparation for massive earthquakes like the one we are anticipating for as

“The Big One”. The West Valley Fault, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum (2017)

said, moves roughly every 400 years. The last major earthquake generated by

this fault was in 1658 or 357 years ago. The 100-kilometer fault traverses parts of

Bulacan through Quezon City, Marikina, Makati, Pasig, Taguig and Muntinlupa in

Metro Manila; San Pedro, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna;

and Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez and Silang in Cavite. According to

Philvocs, residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces should prepare for the

“Big One,” a magnitude 7.2 earthquake to be generated by the West Valley Fault,

which is ripe for movement.

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Despite of having a strong foundation system that will respond to the given

seismic waves below a structural building, the exterior design of the structure has

also a huge contribution towards the after effects of having an earthquake. The

design of the auditorium will be derive from triangular structure design same with

the triangular towers which got a high marks for earthquake safety due to stable,

unbendable and firm constructions (Evelyn de Wolfe, 1988).

Among of the other shapes, the triangles are the strongest shape because

a triangular structure. When applied a load of force to the top vertex, the force will

be equally distributed by both sides and will be transmitted to the base. Requiring

the triangles has only three foundations that can equally handles aftershocks

such as vibrations or force, making the building stable and unbreakable.

By these, we named the building Cornerstone Auditorium that inquires with

earthquake proof structures for the base or foundation and exterior design of the

building inclined with the art that is aesthetically pleasing, for the purpose of

improving the students and also to develop the quality of the school itself.

Background of the Study

Developing an earthquake proof auditorium aims to provide the people of

San Jose Del Monte Cornerstone College Incorporated with a strong foundation

that enable them to be safe when hazard comes.

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Triangles are the building blocks of many structures mainly because of

their ability to bear large loads without deformation. They are considered the

strongest shape because a triangular structure subject to strong forces only

collapses due to material fatigue and not to geometric distortion. It is easier to

understand why triangles are so strong when compared to a square or

rectangular structure. Consider an equilateral triangle, which is the same as to

say that all three sides are of the same length. Each side is connected to the

others by a pin that allows rotation but prevents them to separate. If a load is

applied to any vertex or side, is evenly distributed by all sides and, because the

sides cannot change length, the shape remains stable. When the same happens

to another shape, the forces are applied to the connectors and can make the

sides pivot, collapsing the shape. As an example, take an equilateral triangle set

on its base and apply a load or force to the top vertex. If this force is vertical, it is

distributed by both sides and transmitted to the base. But if this force has a torque

or is directed to any other direction, one of the sides is forced to rotate. It can only

rotate if the other side increases its length and thus remains in the same position.

With an equilateral square in the same conditions, a vertical force does not have

any effect, but a torque or imbalanced force causes one side to rotate and

because it is not constrained by the fixed length and the angle variation in relation

to the base is easily compensated by other segments, the shape can tilt and

collapse. Because of these geometrical properties, triangles are used to build

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strong and in deformable structures, with material strength limits, such as bridges

and trusses. A truss is a simple set of triangles sharing sides, and connections.

The properties of each triangle are kept and form an even stronger structure.

Overall, a triangle is the simplest geometric figure that will not change shape

when the lengths of the sides are fixed. In comparison, both the angles and the

lengths of a four-sided figure must be fixed for it to retain its shape.

The triangular auditorium functions as an earthquake resistant as a

preparation for massive earthquakes like the one we are anticipating of as “The

Big One”. Given that the City of San Jose del Monte is one of the possible

affected provinces in the west valley fault. Mitigation of the devastating damage

caused by earthquakes is of prime requirements in many parts of the world. Since

earthquakes are so far unpreventable and unpredictable, the only option with us

is to design and build the structures which are earthquake resistant. Accordingly

attempts have been made in this direction all over the world.

The conceptual auditorium also functions as an earthquake resistant as a

preparation for massive earthquakes like the one we are anticipating for as “The

Big One”. Given that the San Jose Del Monte Bulacan is one of the possible

affected provinces in the west valley fault.

Mitigation of the devastating damage caused by earthquakes is of prime

requirements in many parts of the world. Since earthquakes are so far

 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 5

unpreventable and unpredictable, the only option with us is to design and build

the structures which are earthquake resistant.

Statement of the problem

The main objective of the study is to develop a triangular earthquake proof

auditorium for disaster readiness and risk reduction.

Specifically, the researchers will seek to answer the following:

1. What are the possible solutions for a building to prevent and reduce

damages and casualties during an earthquake?

2. What are materials that will make the auditorium earthquake resistant?

3. What is the benefits of developing a triangular earthquake proof

auditorium in terms of:

1.1 Student’s safety

1.2 Improve the quality of school

Significance of the Study

It is a common goal of all schools to attain the desired quality of the

school. Hence, the result of this study is of great significance to the following:

Students. Result of the study will stimulate increase of creativity for any

opportunities that they can be productive in the future. It also improves academic

performance and reaches at risk students.

Teachers. It can be used by the teachers and schools personnel’s for the

seminars and activities of the school.

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School Administrators. The auditorium will make them sure that whenever there

is an earthquake, they can be safe inside the auditorium since it is earthquake

proof.

School. This study will be useful to evaluate the significant impact and quality of

school to the activities and events that will result a good school status in

Philippines. It can also improve the competitiveness of the school to other

schools.

Citizens of the Community. The auditorium will serve as an evacuation center

for the citizens of the community because of the earthquake resistant design of

the building.

Definition of Terms

Base Isolation - also known as seismic base isolation or base isolation system it

is a structure protecting against earthquake forces.

Earthquake Resistant - structures designed to withstand earthquakes while no

structure can be entirely immune to damage from earthquakes.

Geometric Distortion - is a deviation from rectilinear projection; a projection in

which straight lines in a scene remain straight in an image. It is a form of optical

aberration.

Prototype - a first, typical or preliminary model of something, especially a

machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.

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Seismic wave – it is an elastic wave generated by an impulse such as an

earthquake or an explosion.

Seismology - the branch of science concerned with earthquakes and related

phenomena.

Torsion - the action of twisting or the state of being twisted, especially of one end

of an object relative to the other.

Truss - a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, is supporting

a roof, bridge, or other structure.

Volcanology - the scientific study of volcanoes.

Vulnerability – It is the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being

attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

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CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presents a synopsis of a number of literature and studies

related to the present study. These are undertaken by local and foreign writers

and researchers for their relevance to the current investigation. Likewise, these

views and write ups are presented to strengthen the direction of this study.

Foreign Literature

An earthquake is the sudden release of energy accumulated in the Earth's

crust, brought about by the movement of a fault. This shock causes seismic

waves to spread out in all directions. According to a study by the Center for

Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED, 2010), over the past decade,

earthquakes have been responsible for 60% of all deaths caused by natural

disasters -- a total of approximately 780,000 victims.

In light of the fact that it remains impossible to accurately predict

earthquakes, Mr. Àlex Barbat, director of the Risk Management research group in

the Department of Strength of Materials and Structural Engineering at the UPC-

Barcelona Tech made the following observation: "Buildings are the structures

where most risk is concentrated. When an earthquake strikes an urban area, most

losses -- meaning both the loss of human life and economic, cultural and social
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losses -- are caused by the deficient seismic behavior of buildings." The

immediate conclusion that can be drawn from all this is the need to design

earthquake-resistant structures.

If a building's foundation sits on soft or filled-in soil, the whole building may

fail in an earthquake regardless of the advanced engineering techniques

employed. Assuming, however, that the soil beneath a structure is firm and solid,

engineers can greatly improve how the building-foundation system will respond to

seismic waves. For example, earthquakes often knock buildings from their

foundations. One solution involves tying the foundation to the building so the

whole structure moves as a unit.

According to Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research

(MCEER, 2011) another solution -- known as base isolation -- involves floating a

building above its foundation on a system of bearings, springs or padded

cylinders. Engineers use a variety of bearing pad designs, but they often choose

lead-rubber bearings, which contain a solid lead core wrapped in alternating

layers of rubber and steel. The lead core makes the bearing stiff and strong in the

vertical direction, while the rubber and steel bands make the bearing flexible in

the horizontal direction. Bearings attach to the building and foundation via steel

plates and then, when an earthquake hits, allow the foundation to move without

moving the structure above it. As a result, the building's horizontal acceleration is

reduced and suffers far less deformation and damage.

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According to the article “How Earthquake-resistant Buildings Work” by

William Harris (2017), even with a base-isolation system in place, a building still

receives a certain amount of vibrational energy during an earthquake. The

building itself can dissipate, or damp, this energy to some extent, although its

capacity to do this is directly related to the ductility of the material used in the

construction. Ductility refers to the ability of the material to undergo large plastic

deformations. Brick and concrete buildings have low ductility and therefore absorb

very little energy. This makes them especially vulnerable in even minor

earthquakes. Buildings constructed of steel-reinforced concrete, on the other

hand, perform much better because the embedded steel increases the ductility of

the material. And buildings made of structural steel -- steel components that come

in a variety of preformed shapes, such as beams, angles and plates -- offer the

highest ductility, allowing buildings to bend considerably without breaking

(Masroor and Mosqueda, 2013).

In civil engineering, this is an area of knowledge that treats structures as

dynamic systems -- that is, as systems subject to external actions that, over the

course of their useful lives, respond by exhibiting particular behaviors. These

actions often take the form of undesired agitation that causes movements in the

structure that should be reduced in the most appropriate manner possible. "In the

case of earthquakes specifically, the external action is the movement of the

ground, and the dynamic system or structure tends to be a building," explained

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José Rodellar, director of the Control, Dynamics and Applications research group

in the Department of Applied Mathematics III at the UPC-Barcelona Tech (2010).

Even with extensive testing on laboratory shake tables, any seismic

engineering design concept remains a prototype until it experiences an actual

earthquake. Only then can the larger scientific community evaluate its

performance and use what it learns to drive innovation.

Once engineers determine the seismic risks of a site, they must propose

an appropriate building design. In general, they avoid irregular or asymmetrical

designs at all costs. These include L- or T-shaped buildings or split-level

structures. Although such designs increase visual interest, they're also more

susceptible to torsion, or twisting about their longitudinal axes. Instead, seismic

engineers prefer to keep buildings symmetrical so that forces are distributed

equally throughout the structure. They also limit ornamentation, such as cornices,

vertical or horizontal cantilever projections or fascia stones because earthquakes

can easily dislodge these architectural elements and send them crashing to the

ground.

Even symmetrical buildings must be able to withstand significant lateral

forces. Engineers counteract these forces in both the horizontal and vertical

structural systems of a building. Diaphragms are a key component of the

horizontal structure. They include the floors of a building, as well as its roof.

Engineers generally place each diaphragm on its own deck and strengthen it
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horizontally so it can share sideways forces with the vertical structural members.

On the roof, where a strong deck isn't always possible, engineers strengthen the

diaphragm with trusses, which are diagonal structural members inserted into the

rectangular areas of the frame.

According to Tom Irvine, industry representative to the NASA Engineering

& Safety Center, the Transamerica Pyramid soars 853 feet (260 meters) into the

air and has stood as a symbol of San Francisco since 1972. Its aesthetic beauty

alone is enough to inspire awe and wonder, but it's no slouch when it comes to

design and engineering. The pyramid draws its strength from a unique truss

system, which features X-bracing, used above the first floor. The truss system

supports both vertical and horizontal loading, but is particularly resistant to

torsional forces generated by seismic events. In addition to the exterior frames,

interior ones extend up to the 45th floor. The result is a strong structure that has

fared well in seismic events. During the magnitude-7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake,

which struck the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1989, the top story of the pyramid

swayed more than 12 inches (30 centimeters) from side to side, yet suffered no

damage. (Irvine, 2002)

Interestingly, much of the future of seismic engineering involves looking

back, not forward. That's because retrofitting old buildings with improved designs

and materials is just as important as constructing new buildings from scratch.

Engineers have found that adding base-isolation systems to structures is both

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feasible and economically attractive. According to the National Earthquake

Hazards Reduction Program, more than 200 buildings in the United States,

including many city government and fire and emergency buildings now feature

isolation systems. After the 1989 Loma Prieta quake alone, engineers retrofitted

several buildings, including the city halls of San Francisco, Oakland and Los

Angeles. The earthquake-resistant structures in these buildings will most certainly

face a test in the form of a serious seismic event.

Local Literature

“Ground shaking does not kill. Collapsing buildings do.”This was what

Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato

Solidum stressed in a conversation with Rappler about Metro Manila earthqauake

scenarios.

The question is, are buildings and homes in the Philippines built to

withstand the worst-case scenario — a 7.2 magnitude earthquake along the West

Valley Fault, a fault line that cuts through Metro Manila?

According to engineers, these structures could survive major earthquakes

if home owners followed proper building procedures and if the design and

materials used during construction are compliant with the 2010 National Structural

Code of the Philippines (NSCP).

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The structural code prescribes requirements which, if followed, ensure that

homes and buildings will not sustain major structural damage when an

earthquake strikes. In effect, it protects homeowners and building occupants.

It is developed and updated regularly by the ASEP and is approved by the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the national government

agency mandated to enforce structural standards in the Philippines.

The code derives its mandate from the National Building Code of the

Philippines, which was enacted by Congress in 1972, years after the Casiguran

Earthquake destroyed the Ruby Tower in Manila. It was later revised by former

President Ferdinand Marcos in 1977 through Presidential Decree No. 1096, which

allowed updating of structural standards without a need for new legislation.

In 1992, two years after the 7.8-magnitude Luzon earthquake, a crucial

update was made to the structural code.

The Luzon quake severely hit Baguio City, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija

and Dagupan City in Pangasinan, leaving 2,412 people dead and around

US$369.6 million worth of damage to property. A number of luxury hotels in

Baguio, including Hotel Nevada, collapsed during the 45-minute tremor.

The 1992 update to the structural code improved standards for ductility of

the whole structure, according to former ASEP Presidents Miriam Tamayo and

Toby Tamayo..
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One of the updates to ductility prescribed closely-spaced steel ties in

columns and stirrups for beams of houses. For reinforced concrete, additional

ductility may be provided by putting the right amount of steel reinforcement in

beams and columns. Ductility of structural elements is important when an

earthquake strikes, said Toby.

“Why? for people to have extra time to get out of the building.”

The Structural Code was last enhanced in 2010, according to Toby, who is

part of the editorial board for the code update

Following the code does not necessarily guarantee a totally “earthquake-

proof” house, said Pabalan. This is because a house can still sustain non-

structural damage during shaking. Windows, for instance, may still break as a

result of the shaking. Other non-structural finishes may also sustain damage.

The goal of the code is to ensure low probability of structural collapse.

In the “How Safe is My House” project for instance, PHIVOLCS, ASEP, and

JICA outline the features of a properly-built Concrete Hollow Block (CHB) house

that follows the current structural code. The experiment compared a code-

compliant structure and a commonly-built CHB house in the Philippines. These

were the results of the experiment:

Features Properly-built Improperly-built

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Features Properly-built Improperly-built

6 inches thick (400 x 200

Concrete hollow 4 inches thick (400 x 200 x
150mm)
block wall 100mm)

Vertical steel 10mm diameter spaced 40cm 6mm diameter spaced 90cm
bars from each other from each other

10mm diameter spaced 60cm 6mm diameter spaced 60cm

Horizontal steel
from each other or laid every 3 from each other or laid every 3
bars
layers layers

Mortar mix
1:4 Compacted 1:4 Not compacted
(Cement: sand)

Roof
Wood/Galvanized iron sheets Wood/Galvanized iron sheets
frame/roofing

In media and casual conversations, the terms “magnitude” and “intensity”

are often interchanged whenever the severity of a quake is discussed.

Thus, to help Filipinos start being earthquake-smart, DMCI Homes asked

engineers Brian Tan and Ronald Santiago to sort out the myths from the facts.

Brian Tan holds a Master of Science degree from Massachusetts Institute

of Technology, with a specialization in geotechnical engineering, and taught

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graduate level course in earth structures at UP Diliman where he earned his

doctorate.

Ronald Santiago, for his part, is the managing partner of Macro Consulting

Structural Engineers, a trusted structural engineering firm involved in earthquake

engineering, structural inspection and investigation, and civil works engineering.

“Magnitude is a measure of how strong the earthquake was in terms of

energy. So for a magnitude of 6.9, a scientist would know that’s more or less

equivalent to so many atomic bombs exploded,” Tan explained.

On the other hand, intensity is the subjective measure of how an

earthquake is felt at a certain location. “That’s why we have different intensity

values for one earthquake” per locality. Intensity also depends on the magnitude

of an earthquake, how close you are to the earthquake, how deep the earthquake

was, and what the soil conditions are,” he added.

Ronald Santiago, meanwhile, said his team is always asked about the

maximum earthquake intensity that a building can withstand. He said the

country’s present building code does not specify this, but our structures are

designed based on code requirements that have redundant safety factors.

“Our current code, which is the National Structural Code of the Philippines,

is based on the Uniform Building Code. Our buildings are designed to be on the

conservative side, both in terms of performance and codal analysis, which is

actually safer.”
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Tan also said there is no such thing as an earthquake-proof building. Well-

designed and constructed buildings, however, may be called “earthquake-

resistant.”

Both experts also dispelled other misconceptions such as Japan’s building

rollers being touted as providing the best ‘earthquake-proof’ option. Tan corrected

the misimpression and mentioned that there is a maximum height that a building

can use roller bearings. “Of course it would lessen what you feel but then you

don’t need to have it to be earthquake-resistant.”

Tan mentioned the 2004 Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact

Reduction Study that considered the potential effects of a major earthquake in

Metro Manila. He explained that the worst affected will be those whose homes

and buildings that were built haphazardly, which is why the report emphasized the

importance of properly-engineered buildings. “I think the point is that it’s really all

about design and construction.”

“Unlike other real estate firms, DMCI Homes as a builder-developer

performs civil, structural and architectural works of the projects in-house,” said

Gerry Ancheta, DMCI Homes VP for design and engineering.

Before acquiring land for development, a soil investigation is conducted

first. Results are then passed on to renowned geotechnical experts like Tan, who

will recommend the capacity of the soil to the structural designers like Santiago.

Philvocs certifications on fault line distances and NSCP guidelines and provisions
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are of course, mandatory considerations. In addition, all high-rise residential

developments of DMCI Homes are reviewed by third-party consultants abroad

who work with the local engineers on record. All these form the basis of the

structural design of the buildings within DMCI Homes developments.

DMCI Homes, part of the DM Consunji conglomerate well-regarded in the

industry for its almost 60 years of pioneering construction achievements and

world-class engineering, assures home seekers and its residents that the

company performs thorough evaluation before even coming up with a plan for

every project.

For many property developers, earthquake-proofing their project has long

been a norm, even before the West Valley Fault Atlas was released by Phivolcs.

The Lopez-led Rockwell Land Inc., for instance, had its structures built to

withstand an intensity 9 earthquake, which was beyond what was mandated

under Philippine laws. Buildings that are designed and built in accordance with

the existing National Building Code are supposed to be able to withstand an

intensity 8 earthquake.

“Design our developments with advance techniques like the Performance

Based Design used in Proscenium. Our buildings are designed against the worst

earthquake that has occurred over the past decade. To ensure safety for existing

residences, we conduct annual earthquake drills and inspections for each

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building’s structural integrity,” explained Rockwell Land AVP for marketing, Vienn

C. Tionglico-Guzman.

Edgar V. Sabidong, AVP for project management at ArthaLand Corp.,

noted that in their case, the selection of the site was given utmost primacy to

ensure that project location would be nowhere near the fault lines. The company

also made sure to revisit all the necessary seismic details and structural elements

to secure the building’s integrity.

Members of the ArthaLand team, Sabidong further claimed, were also

seasoned and experienced people with solid track records in real estate

developments, construction methodologies, and safety practices.

Another property developer further claimed that the designs of its buildings

were fully compliant with the existing building codes, which called for structures to

be designed against earthquakes up to magnitude 8. And while there are no

specific earthquake resistant materials, the structural system of its buildings had

been designed to perform against earthquakes.

Foreign Studies

The two most important variables affecting earthquake damage are (1) the

intensity of ground shaking caused by the quake coupled with (2) the quality of

the engineering of structures in the region. The level of shaking, in turn, is

controlled by the proximity of the earthquake source to the affected region and the
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types of rocks that seismic waves pass through en route (particularly those at or

near the ground surface). Generally, the bigger, closer, and shallower the

earthquake, the stronger the shaking. But there have been large earthquakes with

very little damage either because they caused little shaking in populated areas, or

because the buildings were built to withstand that kind of shaking. In other cases,

moderate earthquakes have caused significant damage either because the

shaking was locally amplified or more likely because the structures were poorly

engineered (IRIS and the University of Portland, 2007 )

The neglectfulness of the interaction between the resistant structure and

other non-structural elements in the building modifies the resistance-stiffness

relationship of structural elements. In such a situation, it is possible that the

structure does not show all the resistant capacity simultaneously as required

during the seismic action. This stepping of the building’s seismoresistant capacity

results in its partial damage or a total collapse. This is one reason for the pure

structural analysis becoming insufficient to assert the seismic invulnerability of a

building. Therefore, an additional approach becomes necessary, which may

regard the seismoresistant system as a whole, where all the structural, non-

structural and space-forming elements conforming a building are considered to be

interacting with each other and hold responsible for the seismoresistant capacity.
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According to this approach, such responsibility is shared by both the

structural analysis and design. As a matter of fact, it is not pursued here to obtain

from the computing engineer a quantitative evaluation of positive and negative

effects of all the interacting elements of a building, but rather to match them with

the structural design. For instance, if a sismoresistant structure or rigid frame is

made up of a given number of columns, they should all show the seismoresistant

capacity simultaneously during the seismic stage. Otherwise, if owing to any

reason, not regarded in the Structural Design and Analysis, just part of them act

at the beginning of the shake; this will be insufficient and eventually will break

down. The remaining ones will fail in turn, bringing about the collapse of the

building (Hugo GIULIANI, 2000)

This stepping does not refer to such plastic deformations which may be

adjusted by means of an adequate redistribution of solicitations and stresses. It

refers to severe steppings where such plastic deformations are remarkably

overwhelmed.

Essentially this objective may be achieved either decreasing the seismic

forces or increasing the efficiency of the seismic capacity of buildings by Giuliani

(1998)
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Reduction of values of seismic forces may be achieved in various ways, i.e.:

1- By using lightweight materials or avoiding unnecessary fillings and finishings.

2- By relocating heavier weights, that is, trying to place those rooms that will bear

heavier weights (e.g. archives, swimming-pools, meeting rooms, etc.) in lower

levels. Seismic bending moments and shearing acting on the structure are thus

reduced and consequently, the size of the resistant elements. These are very

important facts for the Architectural Design.

3- By avoiding the pseudo-resonance. This means to prevent the fundamental

period of the building from coinciding with the main one of the foundation soil. The

optimization of the seismoresistant capacity of the building must be done by using

spatial shapes that may lead to a building with a clear and simple structure,

having its torsion stress center coincident with its mass center.

Local Studies

The design of a building may incorporate all the good design principles, and

yet the way it is constructed may lead to its failure when the forces of nature are

applied to it. This section explains good construction methods, and principles for

choosing good materials for construction.

Even with the best design, poor construction practices and wrong materials

can prevent a house from protecting its residents. If it is not constructed properly
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 24

or if wrong materials are used, the house may injure or kill people when outside

forces impact it.

In constructing a house the first and foremost principle is to follow the design

and not to cut corners by reducing design requirements. Foundations must form a

strong base for the house. The choice of building materials, such as sand and

gravel, affect the strength of the building, and care must be taken to choose the

best materials. Mixing good clean ingredients with little water makes strong

concrete. Wrong ingredients seriously weaken concrete. Strong columns provide

strength to the structure. The reinforcement of columns is important, as it

strengthens concrete like bones in the body. Use the best in order to keep

everything and everyone safe. A strong roof provides lasting weather protection.

Tying walls to the structure strengthens the walls from collapse in an emergency.

Wells and septic tanks are essential health supporting components of a house

and therefore must be planned wisely (Willison, 2008)

Three weeks after Super Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines,

relief efforts are now focused on rebuilding those areas most devastated by the

storm, and one of the first steps is building homes that will be more resilient to

climate-related pressures.
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Considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to natural

calamities like floods, earthquakes and typhoons, the Philippines is at the

forefront of disaster resiliency efforts. With a significant portion of its population

living in makeshift structures in slum areas, the need for disaster-resilient homes

is urgent. One of the country’s top architects argued that, with or without

disasters, climate adaptability and resiliency in construction just cannot be

delayed further.

“I think even without disasters, we have to be prepared in terms of our

structures. It is high time that whenever we design or someone wants to build a

structure, [we should] always consider disaster resiliency strategies,” Rey

Gabitan, a senior official with the United Architects of the Philippines, told Devex.

“We are very vulnerable.”

Over a million houses were severely damaged by Haiyan, half of them

totally destroyed, according to data from the local disaster management bureau.

The storm may have passed, but how to live beyond that will be another steep

climb for the survivors.

The tragedy proved three things. First, the effects of climate change are

inevitable and will only get worse in the near future. Second, the government’s
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 26

lack of sufficient disaster-preparation efforts will result to more calamity-related

deaths. Third, people will continue to struggle in the vicious cycle of poverty,

rebuilding their lives only for them to be destroyed again by the next calamity.

Although policy and governance play a huge role in tackling these issues,

giving people resilient homes — against earthquakes, seasonal floods and

typhoons — and engaging them in the process will be a good start.

But how do we build homes that will resist the onslaught of floods,

earthquakes and typhoons like Haiyan? Here are some essential tips to keep in

mind:

Four-sided slope roof. According to Gabitan, the best structure for the roof of

a house — especially during storms — is a four-sided slope like an elongated

pyramid with a rectangular base that lessens wind pressure and decreases the

risk of structural destruction over time.Canopies or eaves should also be

minimized or — if possible — avoided. Eaves are basically the edges of the roof

or overhangs that ensure no water drips inside when it rains.“[It] makes the whole

house more prone to the effects of the storm especially the strong wind. The

strong lift of the wind can strip the roof away so a narrower canopy is preferred,

but better if there is no overhang altogether,” Gabitan explained.

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Storm shutters, installation. Most Philippine houses have windows, even in

the slums with cheap glass, but the risk is that most of these materials cannot

withstand 200 km/h winds, so the glass breaks and makes those inside even

more vulnerable. This can be easily fixed by installing storm shutters. Gabitan

also recommends the louver-type window frame as it can cover the glass

windows to lessen the pressure during a storm.Also, during the onslaught of the

typhoon, several people perished after being hit by corrugated iron sheets flying

like paper due to the strong winds. This is a construction flaw that could have

been prevented easily with a simple and effective installation process and

framing.“The recommended method to attach the roof is to use the old method of

‘strap’ to attach the main frame of the house. It makes the grip of the metal roof

sheets to the frame stronger,” said Gabitan, adding that using this method instead

of the old nail and hammer will be cheaper in the long run. Metal frames is the

way to go, coupled with appropriate installation angles for additional support,

added Louie Baclagon from Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Right materials. Homes should be also be built using earthquake-resilient

materials, aside from typhoon-resilient ones. Baclagon explained that using the

load-bearing design will be perfect for this purpose because it will be adaptable to

the movement of the ground, lessening the potential damage to the house.This is

echoed by Gabitan saying that this concept, much like the natural “dumping”

effect, is seen in “earth bags.” Earth bags are regular sacks — usually old rice
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 28

sacks, filled with sand, gravel or soil — used to build structures.“One material that

is very cheap and very easy to use is what we call ‘earth bags.’ If it’s properly

utilized, it can be very strong,” he noted. “It becomes earthquake-resilient

because the material has a natural dumping effect. Even if the ground shakes or

moves, the impact is minimized.”He cautioned, however, that whatever materials

builders use, when they are not used properly and effectively, including symmetry

and balance, the whole concept will crash down.

Location. Every year, Filipinos brace themselves for floods during the rainy

season, so making houses flood-resilient is a no-brainer. Elevating homes and

putting them on stilts can be an option, but this will be a band-aid solution

because of the risk it poses when an earthquake hits.“The problem with building

houses on stilts is that it’s not necessarily earthquake-resilient except if additional

braces are built. The houses are anchored in soft foundation. For disaster

resilience, the ultimate solution is finding the right location,” he explained.The

Philippine government has geohazard maps, but local governments and

developers rarely consult them before pushing through with a development

project (Santos 2013).

Synthesis and Relevance of the Reviewed Related Literature and Studies

The review of related literature and studies, both foreign and local brought to

light essential information on the different concepts related to earthquake proof

 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 29

buildings and triangular structures of buildings for disaster readiness and risk

reduction.

The related studies cited were all relevant and significant because they were

all connected to the triangular earthquake proof structure for disaster readiness

and risks.

While the articles used in this research agree that earthquake is one of the

most destructive disaster that induce losses and casualties, it is crucial to realize

that with all the disastrous events an earthquake can execute, further solutions

and innovative structural designs for a building is required. In most cases

buildings with poor structure support is vulnerable with this hazard and eventually

leads into disaster when an earthquake occurred. Given the history of earthquake

calamities, building structures were enlightened to create a solution to the natural

problem. One of the solutions that the engineers use now is the Base Isolation

foundation. It involves a building about its foundations on a system of bearings,

springs or padded cylinder (MCEER, 2011). However, according to William harris

(2017) Base Isolation foundations still gives the structure to dissipate or damp

because it can still receive a certain amount of vibrational energy during an

earthquake. Yet, according to PHILVOCS Director Renato Solidium, the shaking

of the ground is not the conductor of losses and deaths during an earthquake. It is

the collapsing of the building due to weak structure and foundations.

 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 30

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents a brief description of the general method of research

utilized in this study, the respondents, the procedural steps followed in the

conduct of the study, which included research instrument, the materials used for

the triangular earthquake proof auditorium, and the statistical treatment that would

be applied in the analysis and interpretation of data.

Discussion

When ground seismic waves reach up and start to penetrate a base of a

building, their energy flow density, due to reflections, reduces dramatically:

usually, up to 90%. However, the remaining portions of the incident waves during

a major earthquake still bear a huge devastating potential.

Common solution -- known as base isolation -- involves floating a building

above its foundation on a system of bearings, springs or padded cylinders.

Engineers use a variety of bearing pad designs, but they often choose lead-

rubber bearings, which contain a solid lead core wrapped in alternating layers of

rubber and steel. The lead core makes the bearing stiff and strong in the vertical

direction, while the rubber and steel bands make the bearing flexible in the

horizontal direction. Bearings attach to the building and foundation via steel plates
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 31

and then, when an earthquake hits, allow the foundation to move without moving

the structure above it. As a result, the building's horizontal acceleration is reduced

and suffers far less deformation and damage.

Additional to that, the triangle is the strongest, most stable geometric

shape, and appears frequently in natural and man-made constructions and the

main and supplementary support elements.

Fig.1
When a force is applied to a triangle comprised of rigid members with

hinged corners there is no movement. A similarly constructed 4 sided polygon (a

square in this case) movement is easily achieved as shown by the dotted lines.

Fig. 2 Floor Plan

 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 32

This design is applicable in designing and constructing a building more

particularly in developing the Cornerstone Auditorium by the use of triangular

structure in forming the shape of the building. By this, when an earthquake

occurs, base isolated foundation will help the building in reducing the

shockwaves. While the triangular structure of the building avoids huge damages

and loses yet increase in safety, stability and security during a disaster.

Materials
The following are the materials that will be used for the structure.

Concrete A structural element that transmit, through

compression, the weight of the structure
above to other structural elements below.
Steel Beams and Rod Are found in various cross-section shapes
and they are used mainly in structural
(engineering) constructions.
Pillars A tall vertical structure of stone, wood and
metal used as a support for a building.
Metal A solid material that is typically hard, shiny
and ductile, with good electrical and
thermal conductivity.
Metallic glass Are amorphous metal are novel
engineering alloys the structure which is
not crystalline but rather is disordered, with
the others occupying more or less random
positions in the structure.
Ceramics Is an umbrella term used in archaeology to
cover all building materials made from
baked clay. It is particularly, but not
exclusively, used in relation
to Roman building materials.
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Bibliography

Introducing and Demonstrating Earthquake Engineering Research in

Schools. "Strengthening Buildings for Earthquakes." University of Bristol:

Bristol Challenge. http://www.ideers.bris.ac.uk/resistant/strengthening.html

Irvine, Tom. "Transamerica Pyramid Design." Vibration Data. Feb. 8,

2002. http://www.vibrationdata.com/earthquakes/Pyramid.htm

Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER).

"How Buildings Respond to Earthquakes." (2011)

http://mceer.buffalo.edu/infoservice/reference_services/buildingRespondE

Q.asp

Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER).

"How Earthquakes Affect Buildings." (2011)

http://mceer.buffalo.edu/infoservice/reference_services/EQaffectBuilding.a

sp

National Information Centre of Earthquake Engineering. "Guidelines for

Earthquake Resistant Non-Engineered Construction, Chapter 3: General

Concepts of Earthquake Resisting Design."

www.nicee.org/iaee/E_Chapter3.pdf
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 34

Aika Rey “Part 2: What makes buildings earthquake-ready?” (July 22,

2015) https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/99666-what-

makes-buildings-earthquake-ready

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. (2010, April 22). Earthquake-

resistant engineering. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 10, 2017 from

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100422160557.htm

Helen Flores (The Philippine Star). February 14, 2017. ‘Prepare for the Big

One’ http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/02/14/1672066/prepare-big-

one

The Philippine Star. December 6, 2013. DMCI designs earthquake-

resistant structures. http://www.philstar.com/real-

estate/2013/12/06/1264559/dmci-designs-earthquake-resistant-structures

http://www.iris.edu/hq/files/programs/education_and_outreach/retm/tm_10011

2_haiti/BuildingsInEQs_2.pdf

http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/2456.pdf

Robin D Willison “Good Building Design and Construction: the Experience of

the Philippines” (2008)

http://www.unisdr.org/files/10329_GoodBuildingHandbookPhilippines.pdf
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 35

Santos, Lean Alfred “How to build disaster-resilient homes in the Philippines”

https://www.devex.com/news/how-to-build-disaster-resilient-homes-in-the-

philippines-82408
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APPENDICES

Pictures of model/output and the materials used.

Materials:
 Styrofoam board
 Illustration board
 Glue gun
 Glue stick
 Poster color
 Sticks
 Cutter
 Glass
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 37

Working pictures (document/timeline)

Nov. 30, 2017

December 5, 2017
SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 38

December 6, 2017

December 11, 2017

 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 39

Mark Daniel Santos Castillo

269 Ysamael Village Sta. Rosa 1 ,Marilao, Bulacan
092335111798
Castillo.mdniel@gmail.com

Personal information

Date of Birth : May 30, 2000

Place of Birth : Sta. Maria, Bulacan
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Christian Born Again
Status : Single
Sex : Male

Educational Attainment

Elementary : Prenza Elementary School

2012
High School : Prenza National High School

2016
Senior high school : SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.
2018
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 40

Jasmine Faith F. Costales

Blk 38 Lot 32 Kelsey Hills Subdivision, Muzon
City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
09355612624
jasminefaithlovesyou@yahoo.com

Personal Information

Date of Birth : September 4, 1999

Place of Birth : Makati city
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Born Again Christian
Status : Single
Sex : Female

Educational Attainment

Elementary : Bangkal Elementary School

2012
High School : SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.
2016
Senior high school : SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.
2018
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 41

Jermel N. Dizon
Blk 34 Lot 32 Marilao Grand Villas, Loma De Gato,
Marilao, Bulacan
09958142313
Jermel.dizon07@gmail.com

Personal Information
Date of Birth : April 7,2000
Place of Birth : Valuenzuela City
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Catholic
Status : Single
Sex : Male

Educational Attainment

Elementary : Loma De Gato Elementary School

2012
High School : Prenza National High School
2016
Senior High School : SJDM Cornerstone Vollege Inc.
2018
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 42

Jessica Pearl C. Salinas

2427 St. Joseph Avenue Tala,Caloocan city
09777002708
Piieyarel@gmail.com

Personal Information
Date of Birth : December 25,1999
Place of Birth : Tala Hospital
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Born Again Christian
Status : Single
Sex : Female

Educational Attainment

Elementary : SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.

2012
High School : SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.
2016
Senior High School : SJDM Cornersto e College Inc.
2018
 SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC. 43

Erica R. Sangarios
Blk 18 Lot 16 Sec 9 phase 1 Pabahay
2000,Brgy.Muzon,
City of San Jose Del Momte, Bulacan
09272453912
Ekang16.rodriguez@gmail.com

Personal Information

Date of Birth : October 16,1999

Place of Birth : Valuenzuela City
Citizenship : Filipino
Religion : Catholic Christian
Status : Single
Sex : Female

Educational Attainment

Elementary : Muzon Pabahay Elementary School

2012
High School : San Jose Del Monte National High School
2016
Senior High School : SJDM Cornerstone College Inc.
2018
SJDM CORNERSTONE COLLEGE INC.