Design 6 RSW#1-Midterm A.

DESIGN and DISASTER MITIGATION

1. What are the types/kinds of disaster in the Philippines?

The Philippines’ location on the “Pacific Ring of Fire” and along the Pacific typhoon
belt mean that the country experiences many forms of natural disasters such as
typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and fires.

Because of its location on the "Pacific Ring of Fire" and in the Pacific typhoon belt,
the Philippines is subject to many natural catastrophes, including typhoons,
earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and fires.

Typhoons
According to a 2013 Time Magazine article, the Philippines is "the world's most
vulnerable country to tropical storms." The Philippines' geographic position is the
primary cause of its typhoon vulnerability. The nation is located in Southeast Asia,
near the western Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the west portion of the Pacific Ocean
is thought to have the world's hottest ocean temperatures. Warm water temperatures
feed the production of storms, which, depending on their wind speed, evolve into
hurricanes or typhoons. The effects of climate change continue to raise its
temperature, thus speeding up the formation of storms in the western part of the
Pacific Ocean.

Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions

The Philippines is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which generates regular
seismic and volcanic activity. Because of the region's sizeable tectonic plate
collisions, many earthquakes of lesser size occur regularly.

Floods 
Flooding is a significant threat in the Philippines due to intense storms and excessive
rains. Flooding hazards are worsened by land-use changes such as urbanization and
logging. Because the Philippines is an archipelago, the possibility for storm
development rises, resulting in torrential rainfall and flash floods. Another issue
contributing to flooding is Filipinos' need for discipline in disposing of their rubbish,
which clogs drainage and sewage systems, worsening the situation.

Landslide 
Because of the mix of steep and hilly regions that encounter earthquakes and severe
rainfall brought on by monsoons or typhoons, the terrain is inherently prone to
landslides.

Fire 
The majority of fires are caused by poor or substandard electrical wiring. Examples
include excessive usage of extension cables, broken wires, and inferior electrical
lines. If electrical equipment or appliances malfunction, they could cause a home fire.
Power outages are common in the Philippines during the summer, and we usually
use candles to light our homes. On the other hand, Candles can start flames if left
unattended or in the incorrect area. 

2. When and how often do they occur?

The Philippines, located in the Pacific typhoon belt, is visited by an average of 20

typhoons each year, five of which are destructive. Its location on the "Pacific Ring of
Fire" renders it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Its geographic position
and physical surroundings further contribute to its vulnerability to tsunamis, sea level
rise, storm surges, landslides, flood/flashflood/flooding, and drought.
3. What are the effects of disasters?
A natural catastrophe is a severe lousy event caused by biological Earth processes.
Natural disasters include floods, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes,
tsunamis, storms, and other geological events. A natural disaster can result in death
or property destruction. Natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and tornadoes can
entirely defoliate trees and force ecosystems to undergo structural alterations.
Wildlife may be destroyed or indirectly impacted by the disaster's force due to
changes in habitat and food supplies. Water quality suffers when sewage treatment
plants overflow or silt enters rivers and streams. Flooded industrial facilities release
harmful compounds into flood project sites, contaminating groundwater, watersheds,
and the seas.

4. What are the actions of the government (and/or NGOs) in mitigating the effects of
disasters?

During a crisis, the primary objective of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is to

respond quickly and save as many lives as possible with the resources available.
The NGOs played a critical role in delivering relief items, creating health camps,
participating in rescue efforts, and preparing temporary shelters, among other things.
They help with rescue and first aid, sanitation and hygiene, damage assessment, and
supporting other organizations providing relief supplies in the early aftermath of
catastrophes.

To develop an effective disaster risk management system, the Philippine Congress

passed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act in 2010.
Furthermore, the Philippine government is devoting significant resources to
developing resilient infrastructure, allowing communities to recover quickly. As the
government works to achieve its climate obligations, investing in green infrastructure
is a top focus.

5. How do you feel about the efforts of the government (and/or NGOs) in disaster
mitigation?

The government and the NGOs put a lot of effort into providing for our needs in times
of calamity. They help us survive and immediately respond by providing and assisting
us with our needs. But sometimes, the government cannot simultaneously aid all
those affected by the disaster. As an architecture student, the government must also
put effort into implementing and learning the mitigation measures to avoid its more
severe impact on our lives and our environment. Mitigation measures such as the
adoption of zoning, land-use practices, and building codes are essential to prevent or
reduce actual damage from hazards.

6. As an Architecture student, how would you help build a resilient structure for the
disaster prone areas? Discuss your design strategies, and your prefered materials to
be used. Why did you choose such material?

As an architecture student, choosing a suitable material is crucial in building a

resilient structure for disaster-prone areas. It is also essential to maintain the integrity
of the building envelope, including roofs and windows, and to design the system to
withstand the expected lateral and uplift forces. When buildings must be sited in
flood-prone locations, they should be elevated above expected flood levels for at
least the design return period to reduce the chances of flooding and to limit the
potential damage to the building and its contents when it is flooded. Furthermore, it is
essential to assess the construction materials and take the time to evaluate the
structure's location, as this will play a significant role in the materials you'll choose for
the design you're planning to build. It always pays to do thorough research and
planning so that we can ensure the safety and protection of the building. Rocking
Frames  
Rocking Frames comprise steel cables, frames, and fuses that rock up and down
during earthquakes – these keep the frames intact throughout the ordeal. Once the
earthquake is over, the rocking frames will help the building reposition itself because
of the flexible frames of this material. 

Reinforced Glass 
Reinforced Glass is laminated and thick enough to withstand winds that can go up to
250 miles per hour in speed. Homeowners can decide to use this material although it
is often used in buildings, but it can be rather costly. 

Damping Systems 
When integrated into buildings, damping systems act as shock absorbers. When
applying heavy weight to a building connected to dampers, it reduces the severity of
vibrations. Damping systems can be integrated into the brace system of a building or
throughout the entire structure. 

Flexible Pipes
Solid pipes will bend and break, leading to structural and water damage. Flexible
pipes are ideal to use because they can bed and move with the structure instead of
breaking when it meets any resistance; they are both durable and can prevent water
damage because of leakage. 

Steel Beams 
Steel beams can take advantage of the strength of steel from the ground up. It also
helps to create a more secure foundation for the structure. Accompanied with base
isolation, the building would essentially “float” about the foundation – allowing the
structure to move as one during the earthquake. 

Steel
Steel is mostly used in construction already, but for natural disasters, structural steel
(or steel products) are ideal for solidifying a building so it can withstand strong winds,
earthquakes, and even the pressure from floods. It offers good ductility compared to
brick and concrete, as steel allows buildings to move without breakage.

Lead-Rubber Bearings 
Lead-Rubber Bearings are stiff enough to support a structure, but they’re also very
flexible. This keeps the foundation intact while the building is taking impact. These
bearings would function alongside steel beams, keeping the foundation strong while
the beams allow the structure to move during the earthquake.

B. TOPOGRAPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN (Draw simple example of a

topographic map)
 Natural features and environmental considerations
 Man-made features, both current and historic
 Location of utilities, identified by drainage covers, electricity poles, gas meters,
etc.
 The surroundings, e.g. shade from neighbouring properties and the potential
light blocking on neighbours, being overlooked or overlooking surrounding
buildings, blocking views above certain heights, and surrounding environment
considerations.
C. GEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN (How do geologic conditions
affect design?)

D. SEISMOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN (What are the implications of

seismologic conditions of a site?)