Lightning Risk Assessment of Selected Buildings in Cyberjaya: A Case Study

Abstract

Lightning is a natural atmospheric phenomenon that has threatened humans over the years. It frequently occurs, at a rate of 44 strikes every second, and it can cause severe damages to properties and endanger human lives either by death or permanent injuries. In Malaysia, lightning activities are one of the highest globally, and they have caused severe economic losses and human casualties. To avoid being struck by lightning, seeking shelter inside buildings is the standard action. However, there are doubts about how prepared buildings are to minimise the risk of human injuries and fatalities. In this project, lightning risk assessment and surveying of the existing Lightning Protection Level (LPL) of 22 buildings of different purposes in Cyberjaya, Malaysia were carried out. With the aid of the Malaysian lightning protection standards, MS IEC 62305, the risk of loss of human life (R1) due to direct strikes to buildings was calculated. In order to perform risk assessment, data were collected from different sources and using different methods including CAD drawings, physical inspections, direct measurements, interviews and inquiries from the management, and relevant online sources and publications. It was found that only less than half of the sampled buildings have adequate protection to minimise the risk of loss of human life. Finally, methods of risk mitigation for the unsafe structures were recommended to reduce the risk of loss of human lives to an acceptable level specified by the standards based on the significant factors contributing to the said risk.