Low-cost seismic protection of buildings

In this episode of RAZOR, we explore the importance of creating earthquake resilient buildings which is a particularly pertinent issue in developing countries where building materials are limited by cost and availability.

In Nepal, the devastating 2015 earthquake flattened whole neighbourhoods and villages when centuries-old monuments and temples collapsed.

Shini Somara talks to Professor Anastasios Sextos from Bristol University and his colleagues at the SAFER Nepal Project who are working with communities to avoid future devastation by using seismic engineering to make existing structures safer for residents. This process includes refined geological mapping, 3D site and topographic effects, statistical modelling and testing at Bristol University’s shaking table.

Also in this episode, we explore vertical farming which is a high-density application of new technologies in controlled-climate conditions, usually indoors. Instead of fields of crops, picture futuristically stacked trays of watercress, sage, basil and other small herbs and crops, boosted by hydroponics while completely avoiding herbicides and pesticides.

RAZOR’s Frankie McCamley visits Vertical Future, a London-based operation which has been running a vertical farm since mid-2017, growing fresh produce for local restaurants. By refining and improving systems, Vertical Future has redesigned many elements of these vertical farms with the plan to sell hardware and software to future farmers across the world.