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To comprehend the seismic vulnerability of a particular region, seismic damage assessment of a large number of buildings needs to be conducted. However, a realistic representation of structural damage can only be obtained through post-earthquake field observations and reconnaissance survey reports. Post-earthquake damage survey reports for Nepal (Gorkha) earthquake (2015) and Imphal (India) earthquake (2016) presented in this study are utilized to give an overall idea about the nature of seismic damage prevalent for the widespread civil engineering infrastructural developments in the particular geographical regions. Further, the study applies the existing rapid visual screening (RVS) schemes for predicting seismic vulnerability of the structures to judge the sanctity of the schemes. An extensive state-of-the-art review of the existing RVS schemes reported in the literature is presented. A comparative study exhibiting the efficacy of the existing RVS schemes is conducted on the basis of damage survey reports obtained from the Nepal and Imphal earthquakes. Finally, a modified RVS scheme is proposed here for seismic damage assessment of masonry and low-rise reinforced concrete buildings located in hilly regions of the Indian subcontinent and other developing countries. Excerpts from the study can be useful for researchers and practising engineers to perform seismic damage assessment of buildings using the proposed RVS scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we collate existing knowledge and suggest a possible methodology for construction on environmentally challenged backfilled mines to restore the sustainability of human settlement. The possibility of reconstruction on a backfill soil with a sustainable solution has been explored. The study highlights the issue of subsidence in backfilled opencast mines through a meticulous understanding of different case studies of construction on mine spoil. The prime focus of the study apart from structural and construction aspects includes the behaviour of heterogeneous mine spoil. Collapse settlement and hydrocompression are discussed to develop an understanding of failure in backfill. The study also incorporates the proposition of possible effective ground improvement treatment for improving soil behaviour through effective utilization of demolished concrete waste material. Further, ground improvement through demolished waste stone column has also been discussed. Finally, a feasible method for constructing a low-rise building on backfilled soil is proposed with available experimental data on bearing capacity. This study along with a comprehensive list of references may prove useful for conducting further research and a thorough understanding of the issues faced by the mining sector in India and other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many highly populated and important cities of India are situated in the Ganges basin. Deep alluvium deposit of this basin enhances the earthquake vulnerability of these cities due to amplification of seismic energies in the case of an earthquake. Raft foundations are generally provided for critical facility buildings due to their perceived effectiveness against differential settlement during earthquakes. However, the literature available on seismic behaviour of buildings with raft foundation considering soil deformability is relatively limited. In this context, a full three-dimensional finite element model of a four-storeyed building with raft foundation considering the typical layered soil profile of the Ganges basin has been developed in this study. The effects of different seismic parameters on the structural responses and moments induced in the raft have been studied with ground motions from 10 different earthquakes. Since the alluvium deposit of the Ganges basin is prone to get liquefied, effects of liquefaction of soil on the building with raft foundation have been considered simplistically. The results show that the raft foundation reduces the lateral displacement of the structure considerably. However, an increase in the vertical settlement of the raft in case of liquefiable soil is a matter of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]