Since the spring of 2005, seven DASSE engineers have volunteered to donate their time and engineering expertise to assist in the reconstruction efforts in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, the region hardest hit by the December 26, 2004 earthquake and tsunami. The group has been working with Build Change, an international non-profit organization based in San Francisco. Founded by Dr. Elizabeth Hausler, Build Change’s philosophy is to build “earthquake-resistant houses in developing countries and change construction practice, so that homeowners and builders continue to build earthquake-resistant houses after Build Change’s intervention is finished.” Build Change’s approach is to not only mobilize local engineering and construction expertise in the affected region but also utilize the earthquake engineering expertise of structural engineers here in Northern California.

The initial work done by DASSE volunteers consisted of evaluating 4 home designs common to the region and identify design and construction modifications that would be low cost while improving earthquake safety. During this process the team of engineers had to consider several factors outside their standard practice, including: the unavailability of reinforced masonry blocks, the scarcity of deformed rebar, the lack of available material testing laboratories, the skill level of local builders, the preference for confined masonry construction that is not used in California, and a construction budget of around $3,000 per house. The group was able to overcome these limitations and develop modified building designs which were forwarded to Build Change’s local design team in Banda Aceh. The home designs were reviewed by the homeowners involved in the pilot project set up by Build Change with an NGO working in the region. Before construction began, the DASSE volunteer team reviewed the final construction documents prepared by local designers and provided additional comments and suggestions for improvement. They also assisted in the development of a construction and inspection checklist to aid both the contractors and the homeowners. Eleven new homes were built as part of this pilot project, which was completed in early 2006.

DASSE volunteers continue to remain involved in Build Change’s rebuilding efforts in Indonesia by reviewing home and school reconstruction designs prepared by other NGOs in the Aceh region and working with local contractors, construction supervisors, and NGOs involved in the reconstruction effort. This past August two members of the DASSE team traveled to Indonesia to see the reconstruction effort first hand and provide on-site assistance to Build Change. Over the last year and a half DASSE and Build Change have built what both hope is a long lasting partnership to provide low cost, earthquake resistant homes, schools, and other buildings to the people of Indonesia and other regions around the world affected by earthquakes.