Vulnerability Assessment and Retrofitting of Existing Buildings in Aceh and Transfer of Knowledge to the Community

Abstract

As some of the buildings in Aceh, Indonesia constructed after the 2004 Tsunami disaster were found vulnerable they were retrofitted to make them safe against earthquake. The retrofitting was carried out by many agencies; one among them being Save the Children. The retrofitting work was carried out to raise the awareness of the people and also to sensitize them about earthquake safe buildings construction techniques and also to contribute to earthquake disaster risk reduction. Against the widely held perception that it is expensive and complicated process the retrofitting work was found cost effective in comparison to the cost of demolition and reconstructing new building. One of the key findings was retrofitting can be achieved through the use of simple methods, tools and equipment and local human resource. The retrofitting process and onsite training can also be an effective medium for dissemination of best construction practices in the community. In order to assess the impact of retrofitting work, a survey was carried out in 2009 in the area where they were carried out during 2005–2008. A total of 104 people who were involved in retrofitting/rehabilitation process were interviewed. The survey results show that the respondents felt that the impact of retrofitting work in transferring knowledge in the community is not significant. However, the respondents felt that the retrofitting work had definite impact in raising awareness of disaster risks and measures for disaster risk reduction. The findings can be replicated in the areas having similar type of buildings. It can be stated after its findings that retrofitting of school building does not only make the schools safer and reduces the risk of children at risk but also is cost effective compared to new construction.