Destruction and reconstruction of Kutch (India), during January 26,2001 earthquake. -Some observations by Shirish Avrani, Architect-Planner

1. View of Bhachau town after earthquake
January 26, 2001
Earthquake Destruction and
Reconstruction of Kutch – Some observations
By : Shirish Avrani

2. DISASTER
An occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress,
a catastrophe that causes, ecological disruption, loss of
human life and property, deterioration of health and health
services,
A disaster may have the following main features:-
o Unpredictability
o Unfamiliarity
o Speed
o Urgency
o Uncertainty
o Threat

3. Natural Disasters Man Made
Disasters
Meteorological Hydrological Geological Environmental
Cyclone Draughts Earthquake
Tsunami
A forestation • War
•Civil strike
• Riots
Strom surge Flood Land slide Blight • Fire
Tornado Flash flood Avalanche
Volcano
• Road / train
Accidents
• Industrial
disaster
•Environmental
Pollution
Strom • Epidemic
Heat waves
Cold waves
• Famine
Classification of Disasters

4. Phases and professional activities

5. Earthquake Zones
of India

6. Kutch is facing three types of natural disasters
DRAUGHT
CYCLONE
EARTHQUAKE
Technology - consumes less water
Stone Masonry
Stabilised mud blocks
Rain water harvesting
House Form – Circular traditional Bhunga
Orientation
Minimum Openings
Ties with clamps in roofing tiles
Easy & quick escape during earthquake
Design configuration
Bends at different levels
Stiffeners at junctions
Position of opening from corners

7. View of Anjar town after earthquake
Kutch Earthquake January 26, 2001
Magnitude : 7.7
People died : 20,000 approx.

8. View of Bhuj city area after earthquakes

9. Angan wadi building completely destroyed.

10. View of Ambardi Village in Bhachau Taluka-Kutch

11. Ambardi village of Bhachau Taluka.

12. Affected people residing in a street –Samakhiyali Village-Kutch

14. View of a single house standing intact in Samakhiyali Village

15. A continues band of RCC shelf had protected the house.

16. A shelter provided for EWS under Indira Awas Yojana had remain almost intact
due to filler slab construction. - Ambardi Village

17. View of Manglore tiles
filler slab.

18. School building constructed out of pre-fab technology by LNT had totally
collapsed.

20. Bhunga / circular structure –
Remain intact during last
cyclone of 1998 and during
Earthquake , January 26,2001.
Rectangular structure was
found damaged during last 98
cyclone

21. Technology Park
A Community Learning Centre for Disaster Preparedness

23. Details of Roofing – Mangalore tiles are tied with clamps which protects
against cyclonic storm
Metal clamp

24. Retrofitting- Technique showing corner stiffener and welded mesh band
in existing house.

25. Rain water harvesting system from roof top.

26. Rain Water Harvesting

27. Unnati Campus at Navagam Nr. Bhachau

29. Composite structure of Stabilised mud blocks and stone masonry

30. Compressed stabilised mud blocks with 8 -10 % cement
Block size : 8”X9”X4” Cost Rs. 5 /- per block

31. Internal court yards

32. Terrace near dormitory

33. Roofing system -

34. Roofing system- Compression members are made out of wood where as
tensile members are made out of steel.

35. Area of Shelter 25 Sq.mts.
Compressed stabilised mud block with cement mortar (1 :4)
Mangalore tiles roofing with clamps.
Cost of Construction Rs. 45,000
Rain water harvesting system Rs.12,000 (Capacity :7000 liters)

36. Rain water collecting chamber
Down take pipe
Extra water
outletInlet for under
ground storage tank
Under ground
storage tank (7000
liters capacity)

37. Earthquake resisting bands at various levels in rural house.

39. HOUSING FOR SALT PAN WORKERS-AN EXPERIENCE
BY SHIRISH AVRANI- ARCHITECT, PLANNER
PROJECT SPONSOR : EUROPEAN COMMISSION
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION:INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)
DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT :CEPT RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT UNIT (CRDU)

40. The shelters of salt workers are located on the seacoast away from the
village clusters. This area is highly prone to natural calamities like cyclonic
storm as well as earthquake. More then 1750 salt workers lost their lives
during May 98, cyclone and also experienced the severe earthquake of
January 2001.
Out of 1077 big salt works in Gujarat 590 are located in Kutch District.
Total area covered by the big salt works in Kutch-Bhuj area is about 50000
acres and the total number of labourers engaged in the industry are about
20000.
The operating season of the salt manufacturing is between November to
June. The salt workers migrate to salt pan in this season and go back to
their respective village and engage themselves in the agricultural activity.
The socio economic condition of the salt workers is miserable.

42. The temporary shelters are made out of bamboo structure and gunny begs.
There is no security, no safety and no protection against heavy sea breeze.

43. Design Considerations
Housing sites are located in about forty scattered clusters in a remote areas,
away from main village. Normally the construction sites area located on a
narrow belts surrounded by law lying area of salt pans.
Two alternatives were designed to suit with the site condition.
1. Cluster of four units facing four directions, forming Swastika which allows
flexibility of expansions in four directions.
2. Cluster of four units having Back to back arrangement. This type design
was suitable where the site is linear and too narrow.
Shelter design is very simple comprising of a core unit of multipurpose
room and a verandah with kitchen corner. Only one window with RCC
frame is provided in the room to avoid heavy wind as this area is prone to
cyclonic storm. RCC window frame is corrosion free and cost effective.
The clusters are located on higher ground and plinths are also raised up
to 1’-6” so as to avoid the storm surge. RCC sloping roof is provided on
room and verandah is covered with A.C. Sheets to reduce the cost.
The shelter design was discussed with IOM officials as well as with works
as a part of participatory design approach.

46. Typical structural details for earthquake resistance

47. Stages of construction work
A special care was taken to withstand the earthquake forces. Every
corner junction was enlarged and strengthen with vertical bars 0f
10 mm dia.

48. RCC bands were provided at plinth and lintel
level. The bend was also provided around all
the openings to resist earthquake forces. RCC
door window frame were provided to minimise
weather effects.

49. Four months of monsoon is flooded with rain water and workers go
back to their villages for agricultural work.
The site selection was done on higher ground so that flooded water
of monsoon do not reach to the shelter level.

50. Social infrastructure development is one of the important tasks in
the remote areas of salt pan. Rest Shelters are provided among the
clusters of housing which acts as multipurpose activity centre.

51. Emergency Shelter Design
- An Experiment during 2001 Earthquake at Kutch
By
Shirish Avrani
Architect - Planner

52. Introduction
An emergency shelter design needs more attention now a days due to
frequent occurrence of natural disaster like cyclone, earthquake and
tsunami in India and abroad. There is a demand for systematic
approach to design a simple shelter which can be easily and fast
erectable from locally available material in a cost effective budget.
An experiment of temporary shelter had been carried out using locally
available steel coats (Charpai) during January 2001 earthquake at
Kutchh in Gujarat(India)

53. Background Study
During the last cyclone of June 1998 in Kutchh, most of the salt pan
workers lost their houses. The Government of Gujarat had provided
them shelters in school buildings and other public institutions in an
emergency bases. Latter on Kandla Port Trust had constructed a
rehabilitation centre on government land for long term stay. About
5000 affected people (mostly migrated port workers) were housed in
those shelters.
The 80’60’ shed of corrugated galvanised iron sheets were erected
on wooden supports. The sheds were divided into 12’  8’ cubicles
and allotted to each worker’s families. Total 20 such sheds were
constructed to house 1000 families. They were provided with
community water supply and toilets.

54. View of temporary rehabilitation centre provided by the KANDLA PORT TRUST
during June 1998 cyclone. The master plan of the centre is drawn on the sign board.

55. THE STREETSCAPE OF REHABILITATION CENTRE.The layout is in the form of gridiron pattern
having long open spaces in between the sheds. These spaces do not respond to the behavioural pattern
of the inhabitants.

56. INTERNALVIEW OF THE SHELTERS: The cubicles and internal passages are without proper ventilation and
natural light. Galvanised iron sheets used are not appropriate to local climatic conditions. The cooking activities take
place inside the cubicles which generates smoke creating hazardous environment. The overall environment is
unhealthy and not conducive for the workers lifestyle and requirements.

57. “ Hangami Avas Yojana ”
Temporary Shelter colony constructed by Govt
at Bhuj
During January 2001 Earthquake.

58. “ Hangami Avas ”- Temporary Shelter colony at Bhuj.
More than 1200 houses were constructed using steel frame as
structural system. The steel frame was enveloped with bamboo
matting. After one year, the process of demolition of temporary
shelters and rebuilding into permanent housing is under progress..

59. Shelters constructed with steel angles, covered by Bison panels and corrugated roofing sheets

60. View of main street

61. Stage wise demolition of temporary shelters

62. The backyards of houses have become dump yard and nuisance..

63. Re-Reconstruction of housing cluster on the same site.

64. View of Re-Reconstructed housing units in cluster arrangement.

66. Emergency Shelter System for
Earthquake Victims
An Experiment during January 2001 Earthquake

67. INTRODUCTION
The design of a temporary shelter for earthquake victims at Kutch had
been conceived keeping in view the social and behavioural aspects of
the inhabitants.
People do not prefer to stay in a mass housing camp but to have a
temporary shelter closer to their own property.
It was observed that, what is required to provide was a support system
in terms of locally available materials and technology. The material for
shelter should be such that it can be recycled or reused, after the
emergency is over. Technology used should be simple so that the
people themselves can build the shelters. Moreover the shelter should
be designed such a way that it can be upgraded over a period of time
based on their needs.

68. Concept :
The temporary shelter - design criterions:
1. The material used should be easily available and popular in the
region.
2. Re-usable / recyclable with multiple use of materials when
dismantled.
3. Modular system for fast construction and allow sufficient flexibility
in terms of design.
4. Possibility for incremental growth and upgrading the shelter.
5. Cost effective technology.

69. Proposed Blue Print- System Design :
It is observed that the use of GI pipes cots (Charpai) is very popular
among the workers and the rural inhabitants. Based on the case
studies and the requirement analysis an appropriate system design
with cots as a modular units is designed.
The size of the modular units is 6’-6” X 2’-9”. This is made out of 1” dia.
A-grade GI pipes threaded with three way T- elbows. 13 Units are
arranged to form a cubical. The units are fixed to the ground with the
help of 12” long U- pins. The side of the units can be covered with (1) 6
mm thick A C plain sheets (2) Bison Panels or (3) E-Board Plyplus.
Door and window can be provided by fixing pivots / hinges to the
modular unit. The roofing is done with the self-supported curved
corrugated A.C. sheet joined by J-bolts with the modular units.

70. The attributes for proposed design
1. Cots are easy to manufacture and locally available.
2. The transportation of the units is easy and erection is simple.
3. Shelter can be easily erected by self help.
4. Flexibility in terms of reuse of modular units. As the units can be
easily dismantled and can be reused as cots (Charpai) whenever
desired.
5. The shelter can be stage- wise upgraded by the occupants to a
permanent shelter by constructing walls and gradually removing
the modular units without disturbing the structure and daily life of
inhabitants.

71. It is observed that people prefer to have their temporary shelter in front of their own
house. The use of Charpai is very common. People in rural area spent most of their
time outdoors sitting on Charpai. The same Charpai is also used as covering surface
for the temporary shelter made out of plastics.

72. Use of Charpai during Visit of Open Toilet in Rural Katchh

73. The Charpai (coat) is important household furniture. It is used for various purposes
like sleeping at night and during day time it works as shading device to protect
against sun.

74. Assembling of coats:
Based on the case studies and requirement analysis an appropriate system
design with coats as modular units is designed and proposed.

75. The modular units ( Charpai) are light in weight and easily transportable even on a
jeep.

76. Transportation of curved corrugated AC sheets.

77. Preparation of ground for shelter construction
PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTION

78. Fixing of Charpai with the ground with the help of 12 inch U-pins.

79. Detail showing fixing of two modular units with clamp .

80. Lifting of roofing units and fixing it with modular units with J-Bolts.

81. DEMONSTRATION SHELTER
Constructed at Earthquake Relief Centre
run by Anand Niketan Ashram
Samakhiyali High School,
Tal. : Bhachav.
Kitchen corner can be treated with fire
proof material like A.C. sheets, Bison
panels or E-Board

82. DEMONSTRATION SHELTER
Constructed at Earthquake Relief Centre run by : Sarvoday Ashram Amirgadh at Samakhiyali
Tal.: Bhachav

83. DEMONSTRATION SHELTER
Constructed at Kutchh Navnirman Abhiyan, National High way No.8 Nr. Shantidham, Samakhiyali
Tal. : Bhachav

84. STEEL PIPE OF
MODULE UNIT
THREADED BOLT
WALL
PANELING
(6mm TH. AC
PLAIN SHEETS)
STEEL PIPE OF
MODULE UNIT
A.C. CORRUGATED
ROOFING SHEET FIXED
WITH "J" BOLT
DETAIL - 1
DETAIL - 2
DETAIL - 4
DETAIL - 3
MODULER UNIT
MADE OUT OF 25mm Ø STEEL PIPE
BASIC SHELTER
MADE OUT OF MULTIPLE MODULE
JOINT WITH "T" ELBOW
FIXEING OF MODULE UNIT WITH GROUND
CONNECTION OF TWO MODULE UNITS
FIXING WALL PANEL WITH MODULE UNIT
FIXING OF ROOFING WITH MODULE UNIT
1
4
23
BASIC MODULE
WALL
PANELING
A.C. CORRUGATED
ROOFING SHEET
STORAGE SHELF
(8mm AC PLAIN SHEETS)
0.23 LONG ,12mm Ø
IRON CLEMP FIXED
WITH GROUND
FINISH GROUND
THREADED BOLT
STEEL PIPE OF
MODULE UNIT
STUDY OF CYCLONE RELIEF SHELTER AND
WORKERS HOUSING :
SALT PAN AREA OF KANDLA
SHIRISH AVRANI
GOVT. OF GUJARAT
Revenue Department
3.3.3 PROPOSED BLUEPRINT FOR
TEMPORARY SHELTER-SYSTEM DESIGN 21
EMERGENCY SHELTER DESIGN FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS Kutchh, Gujarat 2001

85. ALTERNATIVE -1
ROOM KITCHEN
TOI.
ROOM ROOM
KITCHEN
TOI.
ALTERNATIVE -2
ALTERNATIVE -3
SINGLE ROOM UNIT SINGLE ROOM KITCHEN TOILET
SINGLE ROOM KITCHEN
TOILET
PLAN PLAN
PLAN
Design Alternatives
The modular system provides various design alternatives . Depending upon the
family requirements and space availability the plan can be worked out
Alternative -1 One room shelter
Alternative -2 One room + Kitchen + Toilet – Linear arrangement
Alternative -3 One room + Kitchen + Toilet - Square arrangement
A Temporary hospital of eleven beds was constructed within eight hours at
Samakhiyali for earthquake victims during January 2001 earthquake.

86. COST ESTIMATE OF SINGLE SHELTER UNIT (January 2001)
Floor Area 11'-0" X 8' -3" = 90.75 Sq.Ft.
No Particular Quantity Unit Rate Amount
1 31 mm OD. M.S. Pipes 325 RFT 13.50 4387.50
2 Three way elbo 52 No. 27.00 1404.00
3 Union 13 No. 32.00 416.00
4 12 inch long U-pins 18 No. 25.00 450.00
5 J - Bolts 14 No. 3.00 42.00
6 Clams and bolts 42 No. 7.00 294.00
7 Nevar Patti 1 No. 70.00 910.00
8 Curved Corrugated Roofing sheets 4 No. 489.00 1956.00
9 6 mm A.C. Sheets 2 No. 108.00 216.00
10 Labour charges for cutting and threading 13 No. 100.00 1300.00
11 Raw material Carting Lum sum 50.00
12 Contingency (5%) 575.00
TOTAL 12000.50

87. Learning from others - Wooden temporary shelter by one of the
NGO in Bhachau.

90. Thank You