No_5_October_and_November__1938 — Page 27

Hong Kong Builder

BUILDINGS AND BOMBS.

In the last issue of this publication we reproduced an article entitled "THE FUNK-HOLE AGE" in which

the ineffectiveness of our present preparations against

Air Raids was clearly stated.

We consider this subject of such importance that ше are reproducing below another extremely topical article on the same theme.

The other view is that the international situation is so bad, that even if we do not have a war at an

early date, we are bound to have one in the future, and that we really can adopt effective air raid precautions and, therefore, the sooner the better.

Now, whatever your view, it is clear that some air raid precautions will be adopted. Obviously no perfect precautions can be taken, but if only ten lives out of

As in the previous issue, actual photographs of every hundred can be saved by any means it seems bombings in Canton have been used as illustrations.

There will be no war. We would hesitate to make such a pontificial pronouncement, and we have borrowed it from an important daily newspaper. Of course, no one knows whether there will be a war in the near future or not, but on analysis we believe there is every reason--economic and political-against it. The possibility is there, but the present war complex is out of proportion to its probability.

We are almost submerged beneath an avalanche of talk and print about war and A.R.P. The position with regard to our Air Raid Precautions is curious. A.R.P. was introduced to allay the fears of the public and to indicate how we could take precautions against air raids. The result, however, seems to have been to insert into the public an apprehension and a war consciousness that is more harmful than beneficial. We therefore hope this article will lessen rather than increase this apprehension.

There are two views with regard to A.R.P. One is that it is just nonsense, for the reasons, first, that as war is unlikely, it is foolish to spend millions of moneys on precautions which will never be used; and that at any rate these precautions would be of little avail against modern aerial bombing.

worth while to adopt those means. So though we do not wish to add to the alarmist attitude, it appears to be our duty to publish some information on the practical provision of these precautions as far as they concern architects and builders. This we shall do in future issues.

There are three kinds of bombs-high explosives, gas, and incendiary; and there are three aspects to precautions-new buildings, present buildings, and camouflage.

To withstand the largest high explosive bomb, more than 20 ft. of solid concrete, or its equivalent, is necessary; but we cannot very well build a concrete roof of this thickness over the whole country, or even over London or a small village. But in a modern building, we are told that, taking the experience of Barcelona, this type of bomb usually bursts about the third floor down, and the walls collapse and fall on to the lower floors. Evidently, then, in future, it may become the custom in large buildings to construct a very thick floor over the basement, this floor being sufficient to with- stand the practically spent effects of the bombs and the impacts of the falling debris.

Judging from experiences in Spain, the danger from gas bombs seems to have been exaggerated. But we never know about the future. Anyhow, it appears that the basement protected by its thick slab of concrete should be equipped with some air-conditioning apparatus to supply air free from gas.

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