Seismic Resistance of Almaty: Experts' Perspective

After the shock experienced by Almaty residents during the earthquake on the night of January 23 this year, concerns about the stability of buildings in the city have resurfaced. We asked experienced structural engineer Yevgeny Kurasov, who has been working in this field for nearly 50 years, and renowned architect Nurlan Kamitov to share their opinions.

Nurlan Kamitov noted that the requirements for designing and constructing buildings in Kazakhstan are strict. If followed rigorously by designers and construction companies, there is reason to believe that the integrity and strength of buildings can be maintained. In Almaty, regulatory requirements are calculated for earthquakes of up to 9 magnitude.

Yevgeny Kurasov, an experienced chief engineer and designer at Ink Architects, shares this opinion.

"Building design and construction standards have evolved over the past decades. Older buildings were designed according to different regulations, while newer ones, built since the early 2000s, follow stricter standards. Most new buildings are constructed from monolithic reinforced concrete, and in my opinion, if all regulations are followed, they are seismically resistant. However, much of the older private housing stock could be more vulnerable during a strong earthquake, as these homes were often built independently without proper design plans or expert evaluations."

Key Requirements for Building Design in Seismic Zones

All primary building design standards are outlined in specific regulations.
Buildings should be symmetrical, without protrusions or significant height differences, with an even weight distribution across floors.
Structural rigidity must be evenly distributed to minimize deformations in load-bearing structures.
High-quality materials and professional expertise are crucial in seismic-resistant construction.
Compliance with regulations is monitored through state or private expert evaluations, depending on the project's funding source.

What Kind of Foundation is Considered Seismically Resistant?

The choice of foundation depends on the type of building and the ground conditions.
Different soil types (clay, loam, sand, boulder-gravel, etc.) require different foundation solutions.
All foundations can be stable if they are properly designed and calculated according to regulations.

What Types of Buildings Are Constructed in Seismic Zones?

Any building that meets seismic construction regulations and passes expert evaluations is considered seismically resistant.
Most modern buildings in Almaty are built using monolithic reinforced concrete, which provides high rigidity and strength, even in cases of structural deformation.
The quality of construction is significantly influenced by human factors, including the accuracy of execution and compliance with project specifications.
Construction oversight is carried out by project authors and technical supervisors who ensure compliance with construction technology and material selection standards.

Which Buildings Are the Most Stable?

In Almaty, buildings with load-bearing wall systems are traditionally considered the most stable.
These buildings have a high level of structural rigidity, making them more resistant to deformation.
Monolithic reinforced concrete structures are the most common modern construction type, providing the highest stability.
Prefabricated reinforced concrete panel buildings also use a load-bearing wall system, with all panels acting as structural elements.

What Reduces a Building's Stability?

Stability is compromised when structures are improperly designed, miscalculated, or constructed with violations.

How Are Buildings Tested for Seismic Resistance?

In Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Institute of Seismic-Resistant Construction conducts such assessments using specialized equipment.
The institute can evaluate whether a building meets seismic resistance requirements and provide recommendations for reinforcing individual structures or the entire building if necessary.

What About Construction on Tectonic Faults?

Building projects in tectonic fault zones are subject to very strict requirements.
Kazakhstan currently designs buildings according to European standards, which are even more rigorous than local regulations.

Are Certain Floors More Dangerous During an Earthquake?

If a building is properly designed and constructed, no floor is inherently more dangerous.
If a building collapses during an earthquake, all floors pose a risk.
Almaty buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes of at least 9 magnitude, which is the standard for the city.

Additional Safety Considerations

The city should ensure the availability of open spaces where people can gather during an earthquake.
During seismic activity, people should move away from buildings, as facades, debris, or electrical wires may fall.
Unfortunately, during the recent earthquake in Almaty, many people stood close to buildings after evacuating, putting themselves at risk.