Safer
Houses 1,338
Better Builders 100
Trained Engineers 169
Empowered Homeowners 929
IMPACT SUMMARY Last Update 8 April 2011. See Notes Below.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Build Change's team of Chinese construction professionals is working with homeowners, builders, engineers and government officials rebuilding houses after the devastating May 12, 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.
(1) LEARN FIRST: Technical Reconnaissance Study
Build Change completed a technical reconnaissance study in June 2008 to understand why buildings collapsed, and why they didn't. DOWNLOAD THE REPORTS HERE…
(2) DESIGN EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT HOUSES
Confined masonry is the most commonly preferred structural system by homeowners rebuilding in Sichuan. Building on our experience designing and building confined masonry houses in Indonesia, Build Change reviewed relevant codes and guidelines, developed detailed design criteria, performed structural engineering analysis according to Chinese and international building standards, and produced the following resources that can be applied to any single story confined masonry building for Sichuan:
Engineering Drawings
Layout Rules and Shear Wall Density Requirements
Bills of Quantity and Cost Estimates
Typical Floor Plans for Rural Houses
Mix Proportions for Concrete and Mortar
Contract Specifications and Templates
NEW!! Forell/Elsesser Engineers, Tim Hart, Masume Dana and Yvonne Wong, have completed a design analysis for a typical two story confined masonry building. We are developing the same set of layout rules, typical floor plans, and inspection checklists for two-story buildings. Build Change greatly appreciates this pro bono contribution from F/E and David Friedman.
(3) BUILD LOCAL CAPACITY
Build Change trains local engineers and builders to design and build earthquake-resistant houses by providing on-the-job, hands-on training during the construction process. Build Change also holds training courses for engineers and government officials.
INTERESTED IN BUILDER, ENGINEER or GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS? EMAIL US
(4) STIMULATE LOCAL DEMAND
HOMEOWNERS - Build Change empowers homeowners with knowledge about how to build an earthquake-resistant house so that they can supervise their own construction and have confidence that their house will keep their family safe. Build Change
Gives simple explanations on why houses collapse and how to build them better
Assists homeowners to select the type of house (timber, confined masonry, or others) and draws a layout that meets their needs, budget and plot size. Read a story about DRAWING LAYOUTS
Provides detailed design drawings, contract templates, and instructions on signing a complete contract with the contractor so the homeowner's rights can be protected
Gives hands-on construction training before and during the construction process, to build skills and empower homeowners to check materials and construction quality themselves. Read a story about HANDS-ON ADVICE
Distributes simple posters and booklets on earthquake-resistant construction. Check our Technical Resources page for the complete set.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS - Build Change has been working in partnership with local governments in China to develop and implement a simple, practical system for designing and inspecting earthquake-resistant houses in rural areas.
(5) FACILITATE ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Funding for house construction materials and labor was provided directly to homeowners through a cash grant from the Chinese government.
(6) MEASURE THE CHANGE
See above for current impact numbers. Notes:
Safer Houses is the number of houses which are better because of Build Change's inputs. As of 30 April 2009, most houses are currently under construction. It is not yet known if all of the houses will meet Build Change's minimum standard for earthquake resistance. Note that Build Change does not provide any funding for materials or labor to the homeowners.
Better Builders is a rough estimate.
Trained Engineers includes local engineers, architects, or other construction professionals employed and mentored by Build Change or attending Build Change's training courses. Staff of Build Change have to pass theoretical and practical competency exams.
Empowered Homeowners includes homeowners who have done one of the following (1) used a Build Change layout, (2) used a Build Change contract template, (3) attended a Build Change homeowner training program.
National Geographic Channel
AIRING MARCH 2010! "China Quake!" Co-production with NGCI and Yuanchun Media
Build Change featured in this documentary on the May 12, 2008 earthquake in Sichuan, China. Check out the preview HERE…
UN HABITAT Magazine, Urban World
July 2009. "After the quake: how self-build is the key to Sichuan's recovery" by Maya Alexandri
Learning is the key to development. READ IT HERE…
UC Berkeley College of Engineering Magazine, Forefront
Spring 2009. "Home Safe Home" by Rachel Shafer
Build Change's founder and UC Berkeley graduate, Dr. Elizabeth Hausler, is featured in the Spring Issue. READ IT HERE…
All Things Considered, National Public Radio
May 5, 2009. "Building Safer Homes Before the Next China Quake" by Melissa Block
Build Change's post-earthquake housing reconstruction program is featured on All Things Considered's coverage of the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Sichuan, China. Read the text HERE and LISTEN HERE…
Christian Science Monitor
May 10, 2009. "China quake: From rubble, civil society builds" by Peter Ford
"Volunteerism stands strong one year later - and has even won support from local authorities normally wary of grass-roots movements." Read the text HERE…
BBC Website
May 11, 2009. "Rebuilding China's quake-hit zone" by Michael Bristow
Article quotes Build Change's Founder: "It gives me a lot of hope because the central government is really trying to enforce building codes". Read the text HERE…
“The advice Build Change gave us was exactly right. After my neighbors saw [the reinforcements to my house that Build Change suggested], they all wanted the same thing on their own houses. I feel confident in my house. I think the house will be safe now.”— Xing Dayan, villager in Minle, Sichuan, China
“I’m a bit surprised that Build Change would come here because Minle is such a remote village. Elizabeth [Hausler, Build Change’s founder and CEO] is the first foreigner who has ever come to Minle. But, of course, I welcome Build Change’s suggestions and help. What they’re doing here is very good. Before Build Change came, I thought I’d be living in this tent for the rest of my life.”
— Xiao Qianghui, villager in Minle, Sichuan, China
“Quality is key. There’s no point in having a new house if it’s not safe. I’m very appreciative of Build Change’s help, and it’s not just my opinion, but the whole village. We trust Build Change and believe in you. And if you tell us the construction is ok, we trust you.”
— Yang Shifu, villager in Minle, Sichuan, China
“Giving suggestions and guidance to builders on site is one of the most useful things Build Change is doing. We welcome Build Change in Aba.”
— Liu Zhibin, Planning and Construction Bureau in Aba County, China
