Centre for Hazards Research
Background
Historically, Singapore is fortunate in being quite well-sheltered from the direct effects of earthquakes and tsunamis. However, in recent years, tremors have been felt in several parts of the island in the aftermath of major Indonesia earthquakes.
Finite Element Model of a 25-Storey Building
At its closest, the shortest distance between Singapore and the western Sumatran faults is about 400 km. While this physical separation allows Singapore to escape the brunt of the earthquake effects, the recent tremors suggest that our island city is not immune to far-field effects arising from large Sumatran earthquakes.
Previous and Ongoing Research at NUS
There has always been a steady stream of research works in NUS relating to far-field earth tremors on buildings. Some of these include:
(a) Seismic Performance of Highrise Buildings
This involved the finite element modeling of typical high-rise structures in Singapore. The seismic capacities from pushover and dynamic analyses were compared with the seismic demands evaluated from recent far-field earthquakes.
(b) Structural Retrofitting for Enhancement of Seismic Resistance
Laboratory Testing of RC Frames
Use of Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) for Structural Retrofitting
Experimental studies were performed using reinforced concrete (RC) frame and shear wall structures typically found in residential buildings in Singapore, with focus on the use of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems in enhancing the performance of the structures under lateral forces due to seismic action.
(c) Seismic Soil-Structure Interaction
Centrifuge Model to Study Seismic Soil-Pile Interaction Effects
Recent research in NUS involves centrifuge modeling of amplification effects in soft clays, as well as seismic effects from far-field earthquakes on pile foundations constructed in soft grounds. The seismic soil-structure interaction effects were also studied using 3-D finite element analyses.
The Mission of the Centre
The centre is established to:
- coordinate the development of technology and expertise to deal with the broad-ranging spectrum of issues arising from natural hazards,
- carry out rigorous and cutting-edge research involving large-scale modeling of seismic wave propagation, soil-structure interaction, seismic performance evaluation of buildings, retrofitting, damage monitoring and risk assessment,
- work with other centres and institutes (e.g. Risk Management Institute) to extend the research and engineering output to a broader social, economic and financial context,
- provide resources and support for Singapore companies working on international projects that require earthquake considerations.
Invitation to Participate
The centre invites interested government agencies and private organizations in the various engineering and financial disciplines to participate either as an associate or a partner. For our partners, arrangements can be made to carry out research into some specific topics or issues of interest. For more information on how your organization can participate in the activities of the Centre for Hazards Research, please contact
Director of Centre for Hazards Research
Department of Civil Engineering, NUS
Tel: 6516 2163
email: cgkoh@nus.edu.sg
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Events - Seminars, Conferences and Workshops