The building of one of the oldest schools is slated to get a facelift and be equipped with the latest technology. 

In an effort to set a precedent and conserve Adarsha Lower Secondary School, established after the downfall of Rana regime, the building is being renovated as earthquake resistant using retro-fitting technology.

According to Hari Subedi, chairperson of the construction committee, the school was reluctant about the idea of renovating the building with the proposed technology. “ However, we agreed to go ahead with the project after being informed that the technology was not only cheaper but would also keep the school’s traditional identity intact,” said Subedi.

“The technology is cheaper and reduces the risk of building collapse significantly,” said Govinda Raj Bhatta, structural engineer at Nepal Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET), adding that more than 50 schools in the capital were being renovated using the technology. 

In retro-fitting technology, a process often referred to as ‘jacketing’ is used where cross braces are added on both sides of the wall increasing its strength and deformability and the reduction of seismic demand is met by means of supplementary damping or use of base isolation systems where steel or reinforced concrete beams replace the connections to the foundations with isolating pads or a base isolator replacing the material removed.

The last major earthquake recorded in September 18, 2011 had destroyed several school buildings in the eastern region of the country. There were no human casualties reported. “We cannot rule out the possibility of a large-scale earthquake in future, hence it is imperative that we take appropriate damage control measures,” said Bhatta.

The total cost of reconstructing the two storey 13-room building is estimated to be around Rs 1.65 million, 40 percent less than the traditional way and is considered much more reliable and sturdy. 

“We were in no position to construct a new building after the municipality used our land and left us with no alternatives but to give it a go by bearing 40 percent of the expenses,” said headmaster Shekhar Raj Singh Khatri. 

The renovation process was initiated at the joint effort of NSET and District Education Office (DEO). According to Subedi, the DEO and the school have granted Rs 1 million and Rs 650,000, respectively, while NSET has been providing technical support to make the building earthquake resistant. 

Meanwhile, NSET stated that 50-60 schools around the country have been adopting the method each year.