Venezuelan Engineers Urge Preservation of Earthquake Debris for Investigation

Venezuela's College of Engineers (CIV) and the Chamber of Construction (CVC) have formally requested that authorities apply technical criteria when removing debris from buildings collapsed during the earthquakes of June 24. They emphasize that the wreckage holds vital information needed to determine the causes of structural failures and to strengthen the nation's construction standards.

In a joint institutional document, supported by Fedecámaras' Infrastructure Commission and academic representatives, the organizations urged that the cleanup process in La Guaira and other affected areas preserve necessary evidence for future engineering investigations. Enzo Betancourt, president of the CIV, stressed the importance of a comprehensive technical analysis of damaged buildings before the evidence disappears.

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The signed document is a call to authorities to apply the correct methodology in handling debris.

Manuel Azpúrua, director of Housing at the CVC, explained that the document aims to promote proper management of the materials recovered during cleanup operations. "The signed document is a call to authorities to apply the correct methodology in handling debris," he stated. He added that information gathered from the damaged structures will be crucial for updating seismic regulations and creating specialized literature.

Mario Grandi, director of Real Estate Development at the CVC, reinforced the need for specialized evaluations before the final disposal of building remnants. "The study of these failed structures is of utmost importance. Evaluating the structural elements and the real causes of collapse will allow us to draw fundamental lessons so that the same mistakes are not repeated in the future," Grandi said. He cautioned that debris removal should not compromise the preservation of evidence needed for subsequent expert assessments, which will help determine if failures were due to seismic intensity, component quality, or design and execution deficiencies.

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The study of these failed structures is of utmost importance. Evaluating the structural elements and the real causes of collapse will allow us to draw fundamental lessons so that the same mistakes are not repeated in the future.