Dhaka's building stock
Dhaka grew faster than its building controls. Large parts of Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Old Dhaka, Badda and Jatrabari were built before BNBC 2020, many buildings have gained floors over the years, and ground floors are often opened up for parking or shops. These soft storeys and unplanned extensions are the most common weaknesses we see in the city.
Ground conditions
The city stands partly on the older Madhupur terrace and partly on low-lying land that has been filled with dredged sand, particularly in the east and along the fringes of Bashundhara, Purbachal, Uttara and Keraniganj. Filled ground can keep settling for years and may need piles or ground improvement. Dhaka lies in BNBC 2020 Seismic Zone 2.
What we do most in Dhaka
- Capacity checks and strengthening for vertical extensions
- Structural audits for hospitals, schools and office buildings
- Seismic retrofitting of soft-storey apartment buildings
- Change-of-use assessments, for example residential buildings converted to offices or garment units
Approvals
Building approvals in Dhaka are handled by RAJUK. Vertical extensions and changes of use need a structural justification; our assessment reports and strengthening drawings support your architect's application.
Questions from Dhaka
Can I add floors to my building in Dhaka?
Possibly, but only after a capacity check of the existing columns and foundations and with RAJUK approval. Many Dhaka buildings need strengthening before they can take extra floors.
Which seismic zone is Dhaka in?
Dhaka is in Zone 2 under BNBC 2020. Soil conditions on your plot also affect the design forces, which is why a soil report matters.