In the heart of Semarang Regency, Indonesia, a small mosque named Musholla Baitul Munjiy is at the center of a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize the way religious buildings are constructed in earthquake-prone regions. Led by Nevy Risna Dyah Kumala from the Department of Civil Engineering and Planning at Universitas Diponegoro, this research is not just about building safer mosques; it’s about doing so cost-effectively and sustainably.
The study, published in the journal ‘Rekayasa Sipil’ (Civil Engineering), combines advanced structural simulation with comprehensive cost analysis to create an innovative design approach for mosques. The goal is to balance structural safety, long-term durability, and cost efficiency, a challenge that has long plagued the construction industry, particularly in seismic areas.
Using SAP2000, a powerful structural analysis software, Kumala and her team simulated the structural performance of Musholla Baitul Munjiy under various seismic conditions. The results were eye-opening. “We found that some beams and columns had insufficient load-bearing capacity, especially concerning deflection limits,” Kumala explained. This means that under certain conditions, these structural elements could bend or deform excessively, compromising the building’s integrity.
However, the study also revealed a silver lining. Minor modifications to beam and column dimensions significantly enhanced structural stability. “Targeted design improvements can make a substantial difference in seismic resilience,” Kumala noted. This finding is crucial for the construction industry, as it opens up possibilities for retrofitting existing structures and designing new ones that are both safe and cost-effective.
The implications of this research extend beyond the religious architecture sector. In the energy sector, for instance, where buildings often house critical infrastructure, the need for seismic resilience is paramount. This study provides a replicable design framework that could enhance the structural resilience and economic viability of small-scale buildings in seismic-prone regions.
Moreover, the study’s approach of combining structural simulation with cost analysis could pave the way for more sustainable construction practices. By optimizing designs for both safety and cost efficiency, builders can reduce material waste and lower construction costs, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
As the construction industry continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and natural disasters, studies like this one offer a beacon of hope. They show that with the right tools and approaches, it is possible to build structures that are not only safe and durable but also cost-effective and sustainable. And in the process, they are shaping the future of construction, one mosque at a time.