80 jili

80 jili

THE recent earthquakes in Ranau, Sabah, have underscored the urgent need for rigorous planning and design standards for major buildings and infrastructure projects. As seismic activities continue to pose a risk in Sabah, it is crucial for engineers, developers and policymakers to adopt stringent measures that enhance the resilience and safety of structures. Understanding the Seismic Risk in Sabah Tan Sabah, located in a seismically active zone, has experienced significant earthquakes, particularly in areas like Ranau and Kundasang areas. The 2015 magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Ranau caused considerable damage, bringing attention to the vulnerabilities in existing buildings and infrastructure. In addition, these recent occurrences highlight the necessity of integrating seismic considerations into all stages of planning and design. Ir. Ts. KJ Tan JP, the past chairman of ACEM Sabah and as a local consulting engineer who possesses master engineering degree from Imperial College London (ICL) and also has the vast experience and knowledge in the field of seismic engineering, highlights the following key requirements for planning and designing in earthquake-prone areas 1. Compliance with Modern Building Codes Adherence to the Malaysian National Annex to Eurocode 8 (MS EN 1998) is essential for earthquake-resistant structures. The Eurocode 8 standard outlines specific requirements for seismic analysis, structural behavior, and material strength to ensure safety under earthquake forces. Developers and engineers must update their design practices to comply with this standard. 2. Seismic Hazard Assessments Before initiating any project, a detailed seismic hazard assessment must be conducted. This involves evaluating the site’s geological conditions, fault line proximity, and soil characteristics to determine the ground motion parameters and earthquake risks. Such assessments provide crucial data for structural design. 3. Earthquake-Resilient Structural Designs • Ductility and Energy Dissipation: Structures should be designed to absorb and dissipate seismic energy without collapsing. This can be achieved through reinforced concrete frames, shear walls, and flexible foundations. • Base Isolation Technology: For major projects, such as hospitals, bridges and high-rise buildings, base isolation systems can be employed to reduce earthquake vibrations. • Redundancy and Symmetry: Structural designs must avoid irregularities to ensure an even distribution of seismic forces. 4. Geotechnical Considerations Ground conditions play a critical role in seismic performance. Engineers must conduct thorough soil testing to mitigate risks such as liquefaction, landslides and ground settlement. Foundation systems, such as deep pile foundations or raft foundations, may be required to stabilize structures in areas with poor soil conditions. 5. Retrofitting Existing Structures Older buildings and infrastructures that were not designed to withstand seismic forces should undergo structural retrofitting. Techniques such as installing steel braces, adding shear walls, and strengthening joints can enhance their earthquake resistance. 6. Incorporating Monitoring and Early Warning Systems For critical infrastructure like dams, power plants and highways, integrating earthquake monitoring and early warning systems is vital. Real-time monitoring enables swift action to mitigate risks during seismic events. 7. Training and Awareness Programs Collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders and professional bodies such as IEM and PAM, and local universities such as UMS and UiTM is essential to build earthquake preparedness. Professional engineers, professional architects, town planners, contractors, and local authorities must undergo regular training on seismic design practices and earthquake response. Conclusion The recent earthquakes in Ranau serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in construction and infrastructure development in Sabah. By implementing modern seismic design standards, conducting rigorous assessments, and prioritizing safety, Sabah can build resilient structures capable of withstanding earthquakes. Ensuring structural integrity is not just an engineering necessity but a critical step toward protecting lives, investments, and the future of Sabah’s development.From Storyboards to Strategy: Why Media & Entertainment Leaders Must Master Business Skills Now

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, listed as questionable due to a shoulder issue, is expected to play Monday night against the visiting Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network reported. McConkey missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday and Saturday. Star linebacker Khalil Mack, who was questionable because of a groin injury and was a limited participant, also is expected to play, according to the report. The Chargers (7-3) made several moves Monday ahead of the game against the Ravens (7-4), placing tight end Hayden Hurst (hip) on injured reserve, activating cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) off IR, signing cornerback Eli Apple from the practice to the active squad, and elevating linebacker Caleb Murphy and safety Tony Jefferson for game day. McConkey, 23, has started nine of 10 games and has 43 receptions on 63 targets for 615 yards and four touchdowns. The Chargers drafted the 6-foot, 185-pound McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Mack, 33, is a three-time first-team All-Pro, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has started the nine games he has played and has 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. For his career, Mack has 617 tackles, 106 sacks, 141 tackles for loss, 178 quarterback hits, three interceptions -- two returned for touchdowns -- 32 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries in 160 games (159 starts). He has played for the Raiders (2014-17), Chicago Bears (2018-21) and Chargers. Hurst, 31, has started two of seven games in his first season with the Chargers. He has seven receptions on 12 targets for 65 yards. A first-round pick (25th overall) by Baltimore in the 2018 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Hurst has 202 receptions for 1,967 yards and 15 TDs in 86 games (41 starts) for the Ravens (2018-19), Atlanta Falcons (2020-21), Cincinnati Bengals (2022), Carolina Panthers (2023) and Chargers. Apple, 29, has two tackles in three games this season, his first with the Chargers. The 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft, Apple has 383 career tackles and six interceptions in 101 games (82 starts) for the New York Giants (2016-18), New Orleans Saints (2018-19), Panthers (2020), Bengals (2021-22), Miami Dolphins (2023) and Chargers. Leonard, who turned 25 last Tuesday, has four tackles in four games this season. His 21-day practice window on IR opened Wednesday. --Field Level Media

Lucknow: Sixty-eight villages in Uttar Pradesh, each with a population of less than 500 and located in aspirational blocks , will soon be connected through a rural road network under the PM Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The ambitious project, aimed at expediting rural connectivity in the state, is proposed to be undertaken under the fourth phase of the PMGSY, which will continue until the 2028-29 fiscal year. Of the 500 aspirational blocks identified by NITI Aayog, Uttar Pradesh accounts for the highest number at 68, followed by Bihar with 61. The 68 aspirational blocks also include those in eight aspirational districts: Bahraich, Balrampur, Chandauli, Chitrakoot, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Sonbhadra, and Fatehpur. PMGSY-4 entails financial assistance for the construction of 62,500 km of all-weather roads in 25,000 unconnected habitations across 500 aspirational blocks nationwide. The total outlay for this scheme is estimated at over Rs 70,000 crore. A senior UPRRDA official said that the all-weather roads would play a crucial role in catalysing the socio-economic development and transformation of remote rural areas. PMGSY-4 will incorporate international benchmarks and best practices in road construction, such as cold mix technology, waste plastic, panelled cement concrete, cell-filled concrete, full depth reclamation, and the use of construction waste and other materials like fly ash and steel slag, according to a press note from the Centre. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss yearly career horoscopes 2025 for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .NFL roundup: Bengals top Broncos in OT, stay in playoff huntIndia, Ghana ink MoU to boost collaboration in sat communication | India News

‘How can that be?’ – Frank Warren baffled as ‘very harsh’ official scorecards for Fury v Usyk revealedQuantum Physics and the Bible

Report: Chargers expect WR Ladd McConkey, LB Khalil Mack to play vs. Ravens

The Giants were a no-show against the Bucs after releasing quarterback Daniel Jones