Roberto Vernet, a specialist in structural engineering, formally requested the competent authorities to protect and preserve the rubble. of structures collapsed by earthquakes on June 24.
The expert argued that the orderly collection of technical samples will clarify the exact causes of the total collapse of about 190 buildings and damage to hundreds of buildings.
For this reason, the professional union urged that an expert report be carried out before remove the materials of the affected areas.
Vernet questioned the controls applied during the construction phase and effectiveness of the regulations in force in the country.
Likewise, the professional stressed that the direct study of the fallen blocks represents the only way to examine the quality of components used by builders.
“A month has passed since the double earthquake that shook La Guaira and we still need to know what really happened there. Why did so many structures fall and collapse? Who designed them and under what standards were they built? Was there supervision?”he questioned.
In this way, he explained, the comparative technical analysis between destroyed buildings and those that remained standing will provide key data to determine the design flaws.
“Why did some structures fall and others not? All of these things can be determined from very accurate way analyzing the debris. That is why I continue to draw attention to their preservation and due study of them,” he indicated.
Preliminary evaluations and prevention of negligence
On the other hand, the initial inspections carried out in La Guaira they evidenced phenomena of soil liquefaction and settlements in deep alluvial terrain. Consequently, the field review detected problems in the main supports of the buildings, including shortage of stirrups and deficiencies in the reinforcement of the columns.
Vernet emphasized that the lack of oversight amplifies the impact of telluric events in urbanized areas. “Yes we can avoid the improvisation, negligence and lack of control, that really multiply the consequences of earthquakes,” he said.
