Updated Building Norms for Earthquake Resistance Come into Effect

Since the beginning of this year, revised and updated building norms aimed at earthquake resistance have come into effect in Armenia. During a press conference at the Armenpress press hall, Davit Grigoryan, dean of the Faculty of Construction at the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia, noted the necessity to revise the seismic construction norms that were in force since 2018.

"Typically, construction norms need to be reviewed every ten years. In addition, the seismic zoning map had changed, hence the need for updating the norms. In 2018, a competition was announced, which was won by the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia," Grigoryan stated.

A professional group was formed, comprising not only specialists from the university but also representatives from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Urban Development Committee, design and construction companies. The group was led by Edward Khachyan, an academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, head of the Department of Construction Mechanics at the National University of Architecture and Construction, and a Doctor of Technical Sciences.

The work took a year and a half, after which the project underwent several expert evaluations. As of January 8, 2021, the norms are officially in force.

Tigran Dadayan, head of the Department of Building Constructions at the National University of Architecture and Construction, mentioned that the university has also developed norms related to earthquake-resistant construction. These include norms for reinforced concrete and steel constructions.

"What are the main points that have been adopted? First, they pertain to reinforced concrete walls and diaphragms. Previously, there was no definition of what constitutes a diaphragm, what dimensions it should have, and what openings are permissible. Now, these have been clarified in the updated norms. The next concern is with slabs. Over time, they can fall or detach, and they are vulnerable during an earthquake, which is why new norms have limitations regarding these issues," emphasized Tigran Dadayan.

Considering the updated norms, ensuring human safety during a calculative earthquake will be at a high level. The speakers noted that most of the residential buildings in Armenia were constructed during the Soviet era, under obsolete norms that are now outdated. These buildings primarily need reinforcement and an increase in seismic resilience.

Lev Levonyan, secretary of the Academic Council of Architecture and Construction, underscored that modern construction technologies and design methods have been implemented in Armenia. "If these foundations are maintained, the buildings constructed will be earthquake-resistant and safe. However, the operational aspects must also be taken into account. We know that many of our residents are making unauthorized alterations in already constructed buildings, which are not permissible. Therefore, there is a need not only for compliance in project design and construction but also for oversight and, of course, for the discipline of residents," said Lev Levonyan.