Bangkok [Thailand], March 30: A structural engineering expert has told the BBC that fewer than 10% of buildings in Bangkok are quake-resistant.
Amorn Pimarnmas, president of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand, said a 2007 law requiring earthquake-resistant design only applies to new buildings. That means any built before 2007 "are likely not to be designed for earthquakes".
He said some buildings are designed to handle wind load - the force of wind on a structure - and may have some ability to resist quakes, but it's not guaranteed they'll hold up.
He also warned that ground shaking in Bangkok could be three to four times stronger because the city is built on soft soil.
"Thus, the structure can collapse," he said. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
