Datem raises the bar for quake-proof structures

MANILA, Philippines - Leading construction firm Datem Inc. is raising the bar in building and designing earthquake-proof structures that significantly limit the risk of potential damage.

Company officials said they are taking the necessary steps in projects, ensuring they comply with the most stringent standards in quality of construction work.  

“More than 65 percent of our business comes from providing quality residential condominiums. Through the years, we have developed the expertise to ensure the safety of both the end users of these developments, and the team during construction,” Datem co-founder and vice president for engineering Morris Agoncillo said.

He  said advancements in technology have helped elevate safety standards in the Philippines. One example is the use of pre-fabricated walls in high-rise residential condominiums which are not only more resilient but can secure a quicker turnover time.

The most dangerous type of building in construction, from an earthquake point of view, is unreinforced brick or concrete block.  “Specialized and high-technology reinforced concrete wall systems have proven much stronger than their conventional hollow-block counterparts. Fortunately, Datem’s precast walls that form panels on the exterior of buildings makes use of concrete that takes advantage of its compressive strength which can easily withstand forces of about 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch) allowing for better protection. Complementing the precast walls, Datemcrete, a type of technology that is capable of withstanding up to 2,000 psi is used to replace interior concrete hollow blocks which can only take pressures up to 650 psi. “Through the use of precast walls and our Datemcrete, we can ensure that our structures are not only very durable but aesthetically pleasing,” said Agoncillo.

Datem has used high-technology precast formworks such as UBS (upcrete battery system) and tilting tables in the most iconic buildings of the metro such as luxury hotel, Discovery Primea, the Country’s premier science museum, The Mind Museum, the mixed-use luxury property, One Shangri-La Place, and the soon to rise, The Rochester’s 8th Tower from real estate developer Empire East.