KVPT’s Patan Darbar Earthquake Response Campaign - Work to Date - September 2016

The main goals of this solution are to limit the weight of
the structure and to strengthen the connection between
all of its elements. The strategy is utilizing smart timber
framing with steel connections to tighten connections
between elements and reduce the movement caused by
loose joints. This solution seeks to respect the historic
fabric of the columns and the traditional architecture,
but also to address key vulnerabilities in the original
makeup by using localized strengthening measures to
improve the resilience of the load path and allow the
structure to remain flexible, so it can adapt to shifted
load paths during an earthquake, seeking a life safety
performance level with the added timber structure. This
compromise was seen to be the best way forward in the
unique situation presented by the current state of the
industry and approvals process in Nepal.
Manimandapa
Design development axonometric
sketch of timber bracing in the upper
level of the structure to tie the
upper and lower level together with
a substantial timber frame, while
stiffening the core and providing
stronger connections throughout
via steel reinforcing elements.
Sketch by Evan Speer, August 16, 2016
collapse of the Mani Mandapa structures in the earthquake.
This and several other typical seismic strengthening
details, as seen in the ‘seismic issues’ section of
this report, will be adapted throughout. Stainless steel
sleeves will be attached to the tops of the outer columns
and their tenons to strengthen these connections
against the shear failure of the tenons seen during the
2015 earthquake. Stainless steel reinforcement will aid
in strengthening the horizontal timber beams above the
ground floor arcade. Steel angles will be placed around
the perimeter at this level to connect the timber beams
with the timber wall elements and to further stiffen the
wall. Diagonal timber bracing and recessed timber frame
will be added within masonry walls to provide redundant
and adaptable load paths to allow the building to
resolve loads if there are shifts in weight distribution or
local failures in brick masonry. Multiple layered wooden
wall plates will also be included to strengthen the timber
frame within the structure.
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