Effects of earthquake on traditional houses of Kathmandu

The paper explains some of the earthquake resistance measures in traditional houses of Kathmandu, Nepal. They include symmetry in design of buildings, double framing of openings and system of wooden wedges to secure timber joists with walls, all of which can help reduce earthquake effects. Based on information from secondary sources, the paper also discusses the causes of extensive damage in Kathmandu Valley after the major earthquake of 1934 and argues the need for the design against roof collapse to minimize the loss of lives during earthquakes in Nepal.