We all knew about the Earthquake disaster in Nepal, how it has taken thousands of lives and damaged properties worth crores of rupees. The fact that even Mount Everest was shrunk by “1 inch” makes us understand the severity of this earthquake. Natural disasters like these are questioning the safety of the constructions (which obviously results in the safety of the people). Asian countries especially India, China, Nepal & Bhutan also brought up hot debates & discussions on the concept of “ EarthQuake Resistant Contruction Technology “. The brilliant minds from all these countries are coming up with various models of new, efficient, safe & cost effective methods for earthquake-proof constructions.
While the smartest minds of our generation are working on developing the most efficient earthquake-proof construction that is suitable for present requirement, Kakatiyas already implemented such a technology in a temple construction wayback in 13th century. I’m not stating their technique is superior nor vice versa. But the fact that they have already implemented something like this in 13th century is still worth the discussion & it’s the reason Ramappa temple still stands.
Ramappa Temple – Used EarthQuake Resistant Construction Technology
Almost 800 years back, probably in the 13th century , The Telugu Land was ruled by Kakatiyas, One of the Greatest Rulers of South India. In those times only, They built great constructions that can withstand severe earthquakes. 1000 Pillar temple, Ramappa Temple are some of such great earthquake resistant constructions that were built using sandbox technology.
In 1980, Indian Archaeological Department In association with NIT Warangal started researching on the Kakatiya constructions for the first time ever. That is when this technology was first came in to notice. Later it was named as “Sandbox Technology” In 1991 in the archaeological department officers conference.
Read : Distance Between Sun and Earth Mentioned in Hanuman Chalisa
What is this sandbox technology? How it is implemented?
During their era , Kakatiyas have used Sand in the foundations of the constructions. Depending on the size, architechture and area of the construction they used to dig atleast 3 meters deep for the foundation. It will be filled with sand and for the sand mixture to become strong. Later it will be mixed with the powder mixture of Granite, Jaggery ( Bellam in Telugu), Terminalia Chebula ( Karakkaya in Telugu). Only on this Sand Mixture foundation they have built huge and heavy constructions.
For Low level earthquakes, The Vibrations are absorbed by the Sandbox technology used in the foundations.
For Large level earthquakes, They developed a unique technique. Small tunnel like holes were made through all the stones used in the construction of walls, Pillars & rooftops. Melted iron is poured these tunnel like holes which will form iron dowels that holds these stones together.
In the event of larger earthquake & If the vibrations are so high that they passed through sandbox and reached the construction, The iron dowels will keep the construction together. These dowels holds the rocks together strongly making the total construction fit like a frame and stronger.
In Normal constructions, we make sure that the foundation is strong enough to bare the weight of the construction. But in kakatiyas constructions, they used sand as foundation material , so that it works like a cushion. This sandbox can absorb stress from all the sides, So when an earthquake occurs, The primary and secondary vibrations emitted by the earthquake losses most of their Strength by the time they reach the construction as this sandbox absorbs most of it.
What is the proof for this?
Ramappa temple is the proof that this sandbox technology can help the constructions withstand severe earthquakes. The temple stood against a Major earthquake in the 17th Century with a very little damage. I (Author of this article) visited Ramappa temple and noticed the foundation pillars were a little disoriented and the underground foundation rocks has been surfaced. But the ceiling of the temple is undisturbed, respect to their construction techniques.
Source : Author : Doctor P.Rateesh Kumar (M.tech structures, assoc.professor in civil engineering, associate dean, planning and development)
Updating Related posts & Sources Below :
Indian Express
Financial Express
WikiPedia – Ramappa Temple
gr8t info just adding 2 warangal temple
the use of temple architecture has been so unique that they have stood the test of time and nature
they do not break lean or crumble from natural causes for a long long time as they are not immortal, they are capable of withstanding nature but man, only dynamites bombs cannon have been used 2 destroy temples all over the world
recent past has shown that the Pashupati nath temple at katmandu nepal stood rock solid on ground whn the Nepal earthquake damaged old city of Bhaktapur Patan in katmandu
kedarnath temple had no damage from himalyan boulders that wiped everything around the temple even Nandi in front of temple
kutch quake flattened every thing from multi story houses halls to newly built temples of cement and bricks except ancient temples of kutch including abandoned temples of lakhpat area in Pakistan bordering kutch
temples have used all kinds of foundation like sandbox or the world’s largest hindoo brahma vishnu mahesh later buddha was added to temple of Ankor Wat in Cambodia built by its hindoo dynasty and builders floating like on water surrounded by man made water canal as temple boundary no earth quake can touch the temple as it automatically aligns 2 angle and absorbs all vibration even if a atom bomb were 2 fall close 2 temple the massive vibration would absorb
causing no damage
in karnataka, India at Talakkad hindoo temple was excavated buried under sand for hundreds of years and today it looks fully preserved including the sculptures around. imagine it got buried how was it 2 be other than some natural phenomenon. archeology deptt of Indian Government has not been able to dig out anything else but the temple
that’s the wonder of temple civil engineering in ancient world
Can I get full report on this foundation
Thanks for sharing…
Can I get the foundation details report?
Wow this looks like an amazing report.
Soooooooooooooooooooper, we should copy their Construction type. OK
what is the mechanism of sand box foundation?
what is the mechanism involved in sand box foundation?
I want to know details of foundation sketch please
Show the details of sand box foundation sketch please
Hello Rajeshwer, I’ve updated the latest sources from various news articles. Names of the professors who worked on this research and their respective universities & departments have been mentioned in the article. Please go through those and You can contact them directly I guess.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/oct/25/did-kakatiya-rulers-hold-the-secret-to-earthquake-proof-buildings-1889809.html
Thank you for your interest.
the sand box foundation technique is special for kakatiya dynasty ,first they mixed and get it compacted by means of flooding the water in to sand.
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