The challenge

Nepal is located in medium-to-heavy seismic zones and experiences a major earthquake every 75 to 80 years on average. Before the devastating 2015 earthquakes, many existing school buildings were already severely cracked, tilting, or had collapsed due to light but continuous seismic activity and poor construction quality. SSF worked to improved this situation in the mountain villages of Kaski District.

Between 2007 and 2012, we built 56 new earthquake-resistant classrooms and repaired another 26 rooms across 14 remote mountain villages. All of these schools successfully withstood the 2015 Gorkha Earthquakes without any significant damage.

We used two masonry construction techniques based on local accessibility and availability of materials:

1. Locally sourced rubble stone walls, mostly combined with timber roofs.

2. Purchased hollow concrete block walls, generally built with steel tube roofs.

Both methods included the necessary seismic reinforcements.

How we worked

Before and during the entire construction period, we provided extensive training to local masons and carpenters. The training focused on including seismic reinforcements, proper material handling, and application to achieve the highest possible quality, see here.

Our partner, SEED Foundation, managed all communication and administrative matters between SSF and the village committees. SSF was responsible for securing the remaining funding and all technical aspects of the project, including designing the earthquake-resistant buildings, making technical drawings, and preparing cost estimates.

To reduce costs in the mountains, where materials are expensive, we recycled as many stones and wooden elements as possible. For example, stones from old buildings were reused in new foundations and floor fillings, and new door and window frames were made from high-quality reused Sal hardwood elements. We strengthened the structures by adding simple measures like continuous horizontal bands or vertical steel bars within the hollow block walls.

After completion, we painted all earthquake-resistant measures on the outside of the walls. Red paint marked the positions of horizontal bands, and black paint showed where the vertical steel bars were incorporated. We then wrote explanations in the Nepali language detailing exactly what was inside the walls. This turned each building into a full-scale advertisement and promotion of earthquake-resistant construction principles, ensuring the knowledge remained in the villages for future use in houses and other structures.

People’s participation

Before starting a project, we identified the real needs of the villages and ensured full cooperation from the villagers. They were responsible for the project's execution, purchasing materials, and hiring local labor.

We also expected a percentage of people’s participation, typically 20-30% of the total budget. This contribution came mainly from providing local materials like wood and stones, and through donated time and labor. This approach kept the most important responsibilities with the local communities, giving them ownership of the project and mutual responsibility to complete the work within budget.

Partners and sponsors

All projects were carried out with our local partner SEED Foundation and with the full participation of the local villages. Chairman Damodar Bhakta Thapa of SEED Foundation fully understands the earthquake-resistant principles and is now able to continue the work independently, which we consider our most significant achievement in Nepal.

• Co-financed by Impulsis: Schools in Bhirchowk, Thumki, Phalangkot, and Syastri.
  
  

• Fully financed by CWS Hong Kong: Schools in Deurali, Mahjibesi, Makaikhola, Gahate, Mugri, and Mugribesi.
  
  

• Technical support arranged for World Vision: School in Kalikastan.
  
  

• Fully financed by Smart Shelter Foundation: Schools in Dargauntar and Khalte.

Sponsors for all schools included Jawi Sportschool, Charles Looijestijn Financieel Adviseur, SdB Recruitment, Lions Club (all in Alphen aan den Rijn), W. Verwer, W. van Triet, S. Benus, Heembouw, Tine en Piet Bak, Jan en Imelda Wegman, Inbo Rijswijk and Inbo Drachten, Liselot Langer, and many others.

Important note

All schools were built according to best practices and rules-of-thumb for non-engineered seismic design that were available at the time. Although our schools performed very well during the 2015 earthquakes, our own research indicates that the overall knowledge is now largely outdated, incomplete, and confusing. SSF is currently working to scientifically upgrade and optimize this knowledge through state-of-the-art testing, calculations, and modeling of seismic behavior in traditional building techniques.

Recommended resources

Read more about our pioneering research

Technical sheet Improving the building quality