The skyline of Hyderabad has changed dramatically in recent years. Modern buildings are rising alongside historical monuments. While many admire the esthetic development of our city, fewer think about what lies beneath the surface: the urgent need for earthquake-resistant design in our buildings.
Is Hyderabad really at risk?
Most Hyderabadis believe that our city is safe from major earthquakes, and there is some truth to this assessment. Our city is mainly located in Seismic Zone II [1], which means a relatively low risk of earthquakes. However, this feeling of safety can be misleading.
Recent events paint a different picture. The 5.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Medaram in 2024 shook our region[2], while the Bhadrachalam earthquake in 1969 (also magnitude 5.3) reminds us that seismic activity is not unheard of in Telangana. Parts of our state, especially along the Godavari rift zone, even fall in the more concerning Seismic Zone III.
What may surprise many property owners and developers is the fact that experts estimate a 10% chance of Hyderabad being hit by a damaging earthquake within the next half century [3]. This is not scaremongering – – it is a practical reality that we need to take into account in our construction practices.
Building codes: The foundation of safety
The Bureau of Indian Standards has drawn up comprehensive guidelines that form the backbone of earthquake-resistant construction in India. These regulations are not just bureaucratic paperwork – they are vital safety precautions that can save lives.
Key regulations include IS 4326:1993, which outlines practices for earthquake-resistant design and construction, and IS 1893:2016, which provides specific criteria based on seismic zones and ground conditions. IS 13920:1993 focuses on the important concept of ductility of reinforced concrete structures, while IS 13827:1993 covers traditional earthen buildings.
These standards emphasize several critical aspects:
- Symmetrical building designs that distribute seismic forces evenly
- Simple rectangular floor plans that minimize structural load points
- Lightweight roofing materials that reduce top-heavy structures
- Strategic reinforcement at key structural nodes
It’s all about the material: A smart choice
The materials we choose have a major impact on the earthquake resistance of a building. In Hyderabad, we have access to both traditional and innovative options:
Traditional materials with modern applications
Our city has historically relied on granite, a material that can still be seen in monuments such as the Charminar. This locally available stone offers exceptional durability when properly integrated into modern designs. Similarly, wood offers a natural flexibility that can absorb seismic energy – a quality increasingly valued by modern engineers.
Concrete and steel: the modern backbone
Reinforced concrete continues to be the foundation for earthquake-resistant structures in Hyderabad. When these buildings are provided with adequate steel reinforcement, they can flex during seismic events without catastrophic failure. The ductility of steel – its ability to bend without breaking – makes it particularly valuable in earthquake zones.
Sustainable alternatives on the rise
We are seeing a growing interest in materials such as bamboo, which offers a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio while being environmentally friendly. Recycled materials and rammed earth techniques are also finding their place in Hyderabad’s building landscape, offering both sustainability and seismic benefits when implemented correctly.
Lessons from Hyderabad’s built environment
Our city offers fascinating insights into earthquake-resistant design that spans centuries of architectural evolution.
The iconic Charminar offers an unexpected lesson in seismic safety. Its unique foundation design, paired with lime mortar and granite, has helped this 430-year-old monument withstand centuries of ground shaking. Modern engineers are still studying its construction principles.
Today’s thoughtfully designed residential developments across Hyderabad incorporate contemporary earthquake-resistant features while maintaining aesthetic appeal. These modern structures demonstrate that safety and style can coexist seamlessly, offering homeowners both peace of mind and beautiful living spaces without compromise.
Studies specifically for Hyderabad have revealed key vulnerabilities. One study has shown that our mid-rise buildings face particular challenges during earthquakes. Another worrying finding was that high-rise buildings with ground-level parking lots – which are very common in Hyderabad – have particular structural weaknesses in earthquakes. [4]
Perhaps most surprising is how past development decisions continue to impact the seismic profile of our city. The rock blasting done decades ago to expand the city may have altered underground stress patterns, influencing the triggering mechanisms of earthquakes.[5]
Intelligent solutions that don’t break the bank
Implementing earthquake-resistant features doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing costs. There are several approaches that offer excellent protection without breaking the bank:
Horizontal reinforcing straps
Adding simple reinforcing straps to masonry walls greatly improves their ability to withstand lateral forces during earthquakes. This relatively affordable addition can dramatically increase building safety.
Locally sourced materials
Using materials that are available in Telangana not only reduces transportation costs, but often results in buildings that are better suited to local conditions. Our regional granite and stone, when used correctly, offers excellent seismic performance.
Ferrocement applications
This specialized technique of embedding a wire mesh in cement mortar provides an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio at a fraction of traditional construction costs. It is particularly valuable for walls and roof elements in earthquake-prone areas.
Fiber-reinforced polymers
These modern materials increase tensile strength while minimizing the weight of structures. They are increasingly affordable and can be particularly useful in retrofitting older buildings to improve their earthquake resistance.
Challenges we need to overcome in Hyderabad
Despite our growing awareness of seismic risks, Hyderabad faces several hurdles in implementing truly earthquake-resistant architecture:
Code enforcement remains inconsistent, especially for smaller construction projects and in the informal construction sector. The gap between written regulations and implementation on the ground needs to be urgently addressed.
Our existing building stock is perhaps the biggest challenge. A majority of the residential and commercial buildings in Hyderabad were built before the current seismic standards were developed. Retrofitting these structures requires investment and technical expertise that is not always readily available.
Public awareness still lags behind technical knowledge. Many real estate buyers prioritize esthetic features and location over structural integrity, not realizing that earthquake-resistant design can include both beauty and safety.
Looking ahead: innovations on the horizon
The future of earthquake-resistant architecture in Hyderabad looks promising, with some exciting developments on the horizon:
AI-driven design tools are revolutionizing the way engineers analyze structural performance in simulated earthquakes. These technologies enable more accurate load testing without physical prototypes.
We are also seeing a renewed interest in old techniques with modern applications. The “sandbox” foundation method from the Kakatiya Dynasty era – the use of layers of sand to absorb seismic energy – is finding new applications in modern buildings.
Take action: What you can do
Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing property or simply concerned about earthquake safety, there are practical steps you can take:
- When buying a property, ask specifically about seismic design features. Ask for documentation that shows compliance with current building codes, particularly IS 4326:1993 and IS 1893:2016.
- When renovating, consider seismic upgrades such as reinforcing critical wall joints, securing heavy furniture to the walls and ensuring that gas and water connections have flexible fittings that can withstand movement.
- For a new construction, you should work with architects who have experience in earthquake-resistant design. Our team at Walls Asia specializes in creating structures that beautifully combine safety, sustainability and style.
Conclusion: Building a resilient Hyderabad
Earthquake-resistant architecture isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating a resilient city where families can feel safe for generations to come. As Hyderabad continues its remarkable growth, we have the opportunity to not only build higher, but to build smarter and safer.
By utilizing both cutting-edge technologies and proven techniques, we can create structures that can withstand any seismic challenge. Investing in the right design and construction today provides invaluable protection for tomorrow.
Need expert advice on earthquake-resistant architecture for your next project? Contact our team of architects in hyderabad for a consultation tailored to your specific needs.
Citations Links:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Hyderabad#:~:text=The%20city’s%20soil%20type%20is,seismically%20least%20exposed%20to%20earthquakes.
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-rocked-by-uncommon-53-magnitude-earthquake-in-safe-seismic-zone/articleshow/115983674.cms
[3]https://thinkhazard.org/en/report/17553-india-andhra-pradesh-hyderabad/EQ
[4] https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/Nov/24/hyderabad-is-not-prepared-to-deal-with-earthquakes-experts-1709539.html
[5] https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/Nov/24/hyderabad-is-not-prepared-to-deal-with-earthquakes-experts-1709539.html
