Kamis, 14 Januari 2010

Why Javanese Houses were Easily Collapsed on the 2006 Earthquake?

Introduction:
This topic is the initial thought of my study, why Javanese houses were so easily collapsed in the 2006 earthquake and caused a lot of casualties?

Allegation:
Several reasons for this issue are given below with the expectations to conduct of study to prove it by the scientific method. At least there are two main factors causing this 'failure' of the Javanese house from the earthquake, the environment as external factors and the house itself as an internal factor that will significantly influenced by several things:

1. The epicenter of the May 27, 2006 earthquake was occurred in very close to the settlement
Although the earthquake was ‘only’ with the power of magnitude 5.9 (BMG) or 6.2 (USGS) Richter Scale, but the epicenter was close to the settlement of the population. It was also relatively shallow with a depth of 10km. If the earthquake source close to the object, it will have greater intensity as VIII-IX MMI (Merchali Modified Intensity). This measurement is applied to level the impact on the local influence of the earthquake, rather than in the center such as the Ritcher scale.

2. Local geology conditions that support the spread of the earthquake energy easily.
Bantul and Klaten districts are located in a relatively fertile compared with Gunung Kidul. If we draw a line from the Klaten to Bantul districts, the area was actually on top of the fault of Opak which is identified by loose soil conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions produce relatively more fertile soil when compared with Gunung Kidul district which the land consists of layers of limestone rocks (karts). So, it is not wonder if dense settlements located on it. In the event of an earthquake, buildings in this area would be easier to get a bigger influence. That is why in Klaten and Bantul regions have high number collapsed buildings more compared to other regions.

3. The Javanese houses are not in accordance with natural conditions anymore
Javanese houses are always changing in accordance with the time. Unfortunately the change is more influenced by external factors such as changing in life outlook and economic conditions. Traditionally, the Javanese houses are wooden houses (gebyok) which consists of several types such as Joglo, Limasan, or Kampung. Along to successive age, changes in materials such as replacing wooden wall by brick wall, replacing wooden columns by reinforced concrete and so on. These changes will directly affect the performance of the home from natural phenomena such as earthquakes.

4. The earthquake was long time not happened before 2006.
If an earthquake occurs periodically, according to the theory of geology would not produce a big earthquake. Unfortunately prior to 2006, it almost never happened since 1943. Time span of 60 years was enough to gather enough potential energy to produce a large earthquake.

From the human side, which has long been an earthquake does not occur has lowered the level of their awareness of their occupancy in save buildings. Not only for economic reasons alone, the application of construction also because of lack awareness of the people to potential threat of earthquake hazards.

So, for that reasons Javanese houses were easily down by the earthquake in 2006. Any other views?

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