Bangladesh sits in a seismically active region, making earthquake-resistant construction is a critical priority. In particular, Dhaka is densely populated, and it faces a high seismic risk. This is because Dhaka’s close proximity to active faults, and it also has many buildings that may not meet modern standards. A recent urban resilience survey found that around 865,000 buildings in Dhaka could collapse if a moderate earthquake (magnitude ~6.9) struck nearby. It is also estimated that over 200,000 casualties. This figure clearly shows why earthquake-resistant building technology matters in Bangladesh. Unplanned urban growth, weak construction materials, and poor enforcement of standards have created many risky buildings in Dhaka. For this reason, builders and developers must use strong design rules, good materials, and proven construction methods. This helps make structures more resilient against earthquakes.
Bangladesh has a long history of seismic activity. This includes the 1885 Manikganj earthquake, and it also includes tremors in recent years. Studies say the country faces a constant earthquake threat, and among them, Dhaka is especially vulnerable. A major reason for this is that Dhaka has a very high density, and it also has an aging building stock. Many older buildings were built without enough seismic design, making them prone to collapse during a strong quake. Experts warn that a major earthquake in Dhaka could cause tens of thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic losses.
In this context, earthquake-resistant building technology is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It includes engineering practices, materials, and standards. The goal is to help buildings handle seismic forces with less damage.By using modern techniques and adhering to building codes, Developers can improve safety. For Dhaka and other cities, this means enforcing Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) rules. It also means using proper structural design and choosing materials that improve resilience. Urban planners often say the key is to plan and build correctly. This means compliant design, good construction practice, and regular maintenance. It helps ensure that a natural hazard is less likely to become a human disaster.
Building codes and structural design principles guide earthquake-resistant construction in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), especially BNBC 2020, includes detailed seismic design rules. For example, it includes provisions in Part 6, Chapter 8 to guide engineers and architects. These rules highlight key principles that help structures perform better during earthquakes:
By following these principles and by meeting BNBC standards, new buildings can be much safer. However, design is not enough by itself. Construction materials and workmanship quality are also essential. However, they must be treated as core parts of earthquake resistance.
Construction materials strongly affect how a building performs in an earthquake. In Bangladesh, many older buildings used masonry (brick and mortar). This is heavy, and it can also be brittle. Modern earthquake-resistant buildings often use reinforced concrete and high-strength masonry units. These add strength and also add ductility.
Most urban buildings in Bangladesh now use reinforced concrete (RC). This combines concrete with steel reinforcement bars (rebars). Concrete is strong in compression andsteel is strong in tension. Together, they form a strong composite system. Adding enough rebars in columns, beams, and slabs increases flexibility and ductility. This helps the building withstand seismic forces. Ductility means a material can deform under stress, like bending during an earthquake, and still absorb energy without breaking. High-quality steel with high ductility is very important. It can stretch and absorb shock. Lower-grade steel may snap. Therefore, experts stress the need for ductile steel and correct reinforcement detailing. This improves energy absorption during earthquakes. In practice, this includes using certified rebars, for example, grade 500W (or equivalent). It also includes proper overlaps, anchorage, and stirrup spacing, based on code.
In many buildings, walls are non-structural infill, often brick. These walls can crack, and they can also collapse during earthquakes. A stronger option is reinforced masonry. In this system, walls carry load and also resist lateral forces. One example in Bangladesh is Reinforced Concrete Block Masonry (RCBM), used instead of clay bricks. These are hollow concrete blocks. They are filled with concrete and steel rebars. As a result, each wall becomes similar to a reinforced shear wall.
Concord, one of Bangladesh’s leading construction groups, pioneered RCBM in the country. This system is designed for earthquake-prone zones. Concord’s RCBM blocks can reach compressive strengths of over 30 MPa. Therefore, they are strong enough for multi-storey construction. When buildings use load-bearing RCBM walls, the walls work together to resist lateral shaking. Each wall includes internal steel and concrete fill. Therefore, each wall behaves like an integrated concrete shear wall and can absorb cyclic earthquake forces. This means the structure does not rely only on columns and beams. The walls also provide major protection. These hollow concrete block walls, when properly reinforced, are better for earthquake-prone zones than conventional unreinforced brick walls.
Beyond the structural system, material quality is critical. Ready-mix concrete (RMC) can provide consistent strength and correct ratios of cement, sand, and aggregate. This is better than on-site hand mixing in many cases. Concord first introduced commercial ready-mix concrete in Bangladesh in 1990. This improved construction quality across many projects. High-strength concrete and proper curing improve the ability of columns and beams to handle seismic stress. Also, high-quality bricks or blocks matter. Strong units with low variability are more likely to stay intact during shaking. Furthermore, modern formwork and correct curing help reduce defects like honeycombing and poor alignment. These defects can weaken structural integrity. In summary, earthquake resistance is not only about calculations on paper. It is also about strong materials, ductile steel, good masonry units, and skilled construction work.
Concord is a pioneer in Bangladesh’s construction industry. It is a useful example of earthquake-resistant technology and quality-focused construction. Concord’s motto, “No compromise with quality,” reflects a clear focus on durable and safe structures. Concord also recognizes Bangladesh’s seismic risk and it uses several innovations and best practices to improve resilience:
Concord introduced RCBM in Bangladesh. This allows high-rise buildings, up to 18 storeys, to be built using load-bearing reinforced block walls. Concord first used this in Lake City Concord, a large township project in Dhaka with over 4,000 apartments. Not a single traditional clay brick was used there. Instead, every apartment building used environmentally friendly concrete blocks and RCBM structural walls. As a result, the community includes multi-storey buildings that are more earthquake-resistant than conventional buildings.
Concord’s RCBM system can resist lateral loads and cyclic loads. Each wall is reinforced, and it is also tied to floor slabs. Therefore, the building forms a mesh of shear-resistant elements. This leads to better earthquake performance. The buildings can handle strong shaking with less damage. Lake City Concord showed that RCBM can work at large scale in Bangladesh. It also combined safety with sustainability, because it reduced the use of clay bricks that harm the environment. Concord continues to improve this method in newer projects and aims to provide stronger seismic safety for residents.
Concord designs follow BNBC seismic rules and international standards. Concord also engages experienced structural engineers. Furthermore, it often works with researchers. Concord signed a long-term research collaboration MoU with Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). This helps Concord stay connected to new progress in structural engineering. Through these partnerships, Concord keeps up with earthquake engineering knowledge. It also invests in training its technical teams.
Every Concord project goes through a detailed structural analysis before construction. This includes seismic load checks and wind load checks. Compliance and expert oversight are built into the process from early design to final execution.
Earthquake resistance can fail if construction quality is poor, even when the design is correct. Concord addresses this by using strict quality control for materials and workmanship. As noted, Concord pioneered ready-mix concrete and high-strength concrete blocks in Bangladesh. These materials come from Concord’s own plants, ensuring greater consistency. Steel reinforcements are tested for strength and ductility.
During construction, Concord uses engineered construction methods. For example, it used proper formwork systems, and it was among the first to replace makeshift bamboo scaffolding with steel formwork in Bangladesh. This helps structural members form correctly. Also, engineers supervise key stages like rebar placement, concrete pouring, and curing. This careful approach helps Concord buildings reach the intended strength and ductility. This is essential for earthquake resilience, andit also helps explain why many iconic structures in Bangladesh, from the National Martyrs’ Memorial to high-rise commercial towers, have remained strong over time.
Beyond RCBM, Concord has adopted other construction technologies that support overall safety. It introduced top-down construction for deep-basement high-rises in Bangladesh. It also introduced fire-resistant building materials to improve safety. These are not only about earthquakes. However, they still support resilience. For example, a strongly built structure using top-down methods can have a very solid core and foundation. Concord’s focus on new methods shows a culture of safety and durability. Furthermore, Concord invests in research and development. Therefore, it continues to find ways to build safer and stronger buildings than typical industry practice.
Through these steps, Concord has set a high benchmark for earthquake-resistant construction in Bangladesh. It shows that the right technology, strict code compliance, and strong quality control can raise safety standards, even in a challenging city like Dhaka.
Earthquakes will remain a threat in Bangladesh. However, large-scale building collapse is not unavoidable. The knowledge and technology already exist to build structures that can handle severe shaking and protect people inside. Bangladesh can reduce risk by applying earthquake-resistant design principles, enforcing codes like BNBC 2020, and using modern materials. Dhaka’s recent tremors have acted as warning signs. They have exposed weak points in many buildings and practices. Therefore, progress needs a joint effort.
Authorities must enforce compliance and support retrofitting for vulnerable buildings. Developers must prioritize safety, even when costs rise in the short term. Consumers should also demand earthquake-resistant features when buying or investing in property. Furthermore, companies like Concord have shown leadership. They have used RCBM walls, high-strength blocks, and ready-mix concrete. They have also promoted a quality-first approach in construction. These actions protect individual projects, and they also push the industry forward.
The path forward is clear. Build smart, build strong, and do not compromise on structural integrity. Therefore, homes and workplaces can remain safe and dependable, even when nature creates powerful shaking.
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