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Algeria has adopted an updated version of the Algerian seismic regulations (RPA) for buildings, in line with the overall policy of protection against natural disasters. This was indicated this Wednesday in Algiers by Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, Minister of Housing, Urban Planning and the City.
Speaking on the occasion of the holding of a study day on earthquakes, the minister specified that this new system was developed by a specialized technical team, made up of more than sixty university researchers, technicians and Algerian experts established in the foreigner.
Concerning the specificities of RPA 2024, the minister assured that this regulation “will make it possible to strengthen the resistance of buildings to earthquakes and to achieve the objectives of public authorities through the provisions it contains”.
This new regulation aims to better arm the country against the threat of earthquakes, based on stricter construction codes, the implementation of seismic isolation techniques and compulsory application of the provisions to all new construction projects.
Aware of the issues related to building safety, Mr. Belaribi noted the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and their devastating consequences on human lives, property and infrastructure.
Referring to the tragic earthquake that struck the wilaya of Chlef in 1980, he recalled the imperative need to learn lessons from the past and put in place effective strategies to anticipate and better manage these natural disasters.
Faced with the threat of earthquakes, “by combining regulatory, technical and scientific efforts, the country is resolutely committed to the path of better protection of its population and its infrastructure”, affirmed the first responsible for the housing sector.
He added that, with this in mind, RPA 2024 is part of a global approach to prevention and reduction of seismic risks. This involves moving from disaster management to proactive risk management, based on a better understanding of seismic phenomena, increased awareness among stakeholders in the building sector and a generalization of the use of modern technologies. seismic construction.
In addition to the regulatory aspect, Algeria also places emphasis on strengthening research and training capacities in the field of seismology and earthquake engineering, the objective being to provide the country with qualified experts to even contribute to the continuous improvement of construction practices and the development of more efficient prevention strategies.
“Dima” for better disaster management
It is with this in mind that Mr. Belaribi announced the development of a revolutionary mobile application called Dima. Fruit of the work of Algerian engineers, this application relies on artificial intelligence to ensure a more effective approach in the management of disasters, in particular earthquakes.
The minister explained that the Dima application presents itself as an essential tool for local and central authorities, allowing them to access detailed and updated maps in real time of areas affected by earthquakes. This cutting-edge technology would also make it possible to quickly and precisely identify the extent of the damage, thus facilitating effective decisions regarding the required emergency interventions. This will help save as many lives as possible and limit material damage in the event of a disaster.
He wanted to highlight the fact that this initiative is part of a global disaster prevention and management strategy, which notably saw the creation of the Arab Center for the Prevention of Seismic Risks and Other Natural Disasters , whose headquarters is located in Algeria.
In parallel with the development of the Dima application, important measures have been taken to strengthen national capacities in terms of seismic risk management. This notably includes the creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory within the National Center for Applied Research in Earthquake Engineering (CGS), equipped with cutting-edge technologies for testing structures and equipment.
In addition, the national CGS network has been strengthened by equipping seismological stations with high-performance instruments for monitoring and recording seismic waves. Finally, expertise in assessing damage to buildings has been strengthened within the National Center for Technical Construction Control (CTC).
Furthermore, in another aspect, the minister highlighted the distribution of thousands of housing units on July 5, on the occasion of the celebration of Independence Day and Youth Day. He recalled that more than 1.5 million housing units assisted by the State, all options combined, were delivered between 2020 and 2024. He also underlined that the sector has created more than 398 educational infrastructures, which made it possible to provide 97,100 educational places and 71,804 beds for higher education, notably with the Abdelhafid-Ihaddadene university center in Sidi Abdellah, inaugurated by President Tebboune on May 19.
On the other hand, the minister announced that the work on the Douéra stadium will be completed at the end of June. This sports infrastructure will be named in the name of the shahid Ali Amar, better known as Ali La Pointe.