Nepal: Seismic Engineering for Education

Two years after the devastating earthquake, MAGA’s priority was not just to rebuild, but to “Build Back Better.” The challenge was to design structures capable of withstanding a magnitude 8.0 earthquake while using local materials.

Structural Innovation MAGA’s Civil Engineering team developed a hybrid structure using the “Confined Masonry” technique.

1. Tie-columns: Reinforced concrete frames enclose walls made of local bricks.
2. Flexibility: Unlike rigid structures that crack, our foundations integrate rupture joints allowing the building to absorb shockwaves.
3. Lightweight Roofing: We replaced heavy tile roofs with galvanized steel structures and thermal insulation, reducing the load borne by the walls by 40%.

This month, we are delivering 12 schools certified under the new Nepalese government standards. These buildings will also serve as community shelters in the event of a future disaster.