Venezuelan experts urge caution on building repairs after earthquakes

Venezuelan engineers are urging caution against modifying building structures during repairs following recent earthquakes, warning that such changes without thorough studies could compromise safety in future seismic events. Alfredo Urich, an engineer specializing in construction pathology and recovery, emphasized that repairs should restore a structural member's original condition rather than alter it, especially for localized damage. He expressed concern over reinforcements in Caracas buildings, noting that some involve significantly thickening columns with steel casings or additional beams, effectively creating a new structure. Urich stressed that such modifications require comprehensive studies and mathematical modeling to ensure they do not negatively impact the building's behavior during subsequent earthquakes.

The College of Engineers, with volunteer specialists, has conducted 11,185 inspections in the Caracas Metropolitan Area. Of these, 75% were labeled green (habitable), 13% yellow (with restrictions), and 10% red (danger). Urich pointed out that most identified damages are non-structural, affecting walls rather than the main framework. He observed that modern buildings show minimal structural damage, attributing this to current earthquake-resistant building codes, unlike constructions from the 1950s and 60s, where seismic engineering knowledge was rudimentary.

Earlier this month, the College of Engineers called for updating Venezuela's seismic-resistant building standards and urban planning regulations. This follows a double earthquake with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 that struck northern Venezuela, causing nearly 6,500 fatalities. The World Bank estimates direct physical damages from these earthquakes at $19.6 billion, cautioning that a slow reconstruction could hinder Venezuela's economic recovery over the next decade.