Earthquake Retrofitting Older Buildings in Nepal: What's Actually Involved

A practical overview of structural assessment, jacketing, bracing and cost ranges for retrofitting pre-2015 buildings.

Start with a structural assessment

A qualified structural engineer should assess column sizing, reinforcement detailing and soil conditions before recommending a retrofit method.

Common retrofit techniques

RCC jacketing of columns, steel bracing and shear wall addition are the most common methods used in Kathmandu Valley retrofits.

Budget realistically

Retrofitting a mid-size house typically costs 15-30% of the original construction cost depending on the extent of intervention required.

Get municipal sign-off

Many municipalities now require a retrofit completion certificate before issuing further building permits for the same plot.

Use this in Build Mart Nepal

Turn the guidance into action by creating a project, loading a BOQ, matching local providers, issuing quotations and storing approvals in the Build Mart Nepal construction operating system.

Quick implementation checklist

• Define the required outcome and acceptance evidence.
• Assign an owner and target date.
• Record quotations, approvals and changes.
• Inspect completed work and retain handover records.