Now, a lab to tell effect of building on a location

The Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Gandhinagar has stared setting up the first-of-its-kind geotechnical laboratory and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) laboratory which will help in studying the present geographical status of the state and also help in collecting the prehistoric soil history of the state.

ISR director-general Dr BK Rastogi said, "We have started establishing the geotechnical laboratory which will be first-of-its-kind in India to study the soil of the state for various kinds of construction and other activities. Through this lab, we will be able to take samples of 10 to 100 metre deep land and study the effect of various activities on the soil. As we have taken up an ambitious project of seismic microzoining of the state, this lab will help us in suggesting the type and size of different type of building in the state."

According to him, ISR will advise the state government and private entities on what will be the possible effect of particular type and size of building on particular location. "We have completed considerable work in establishing the lab. We have procured various equipments. The lab will become fully functional shortly. Initially, we will work for the state government. Thereafter, we will take up commercial studies. This lab will be equipped for grain-size analysis.''

He said the OSL lab would help in age determination of seismically disturbed sediments. "We have acquired Risoe TL/OSL readers from Denmark. This measurement system will enable thermo luminescence and optically stimulated luminescence. With the help of this technology, samples as old as 2.5 million years can be dated. This technique is very suitable for dating of paleoseismic events because silicate sediments which are used as samples are abundantly available. Moreover, signals from the older samples are found to be stronger, which is an added advantage over other dating techniques,'' Said Rastogi.

ISR at present is studying projects like paleoseismology in Kutch, microzonation in Gandhinagar and few towns in Kutch, seismic study of Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), and seismotectonic study around Mundra.