Vancouver Bridges Remain Undamaged After Recent Earthquake
The City of Vancouver has reported no damage to its bridges after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake. Structural engineers conducted inspections confirming the infrastructure’s integrity. Civil engineering expert Dr. Tony Yang indicated that while newer structures generally withstand significant tremors, upgrades for higher performance and reduced damage are available. The earthquake was beneficial as it released seismic energy, reducing future quake risks.
The City of Vancouver has confirmed that no damage was sustained to local bridges following a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred two days prior. Structural engineering consultants conducted thorough inspections, ensuring that the integrity of the bridges remains intact.
Dr. Tony Yang, a civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, emphasized that inspections typically prioritize visual checks for visible damage such as cracks in walls, foundations, and columns. He noted that while functionality of non-structural elements may also be affected, the recent earthquake likely did not lead to significant issues in this area.
Dr. Yang stated, “Functionality of all the non-structural equipment could also be impacted, but probably not in the earthquake yesterday.” He explained that stronger earthquakes, those measuring magnitudes of 6 to 7, pose a greater risk of substantial damage. However, he reassured that structures built in Metro Vancouver over the past five decades are generally able to withstand such seismic events, with a 98 percent chance of survival against expected loads.
While current standards ensure buildings to resist collapse, this does not eliminate the possibility of costly damages. Dr. Yang remarked that available technologies exist for owners who desire higher performance structures that minimize damage. “If some places are looking for higher performance, then the owners can request to have better performance for like no damage or low damage,” he said.
Vancouver is situated within the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for being one of the most seismically active areas globally. “This is where we have the most seismically active regions in the world,” Dr. Yang noted, citing the region’s susceptibility to large earthquakes over the past few decades.
Dr. Yang pointed out the significant earthquakes, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan and other major events in New Zealand and Chile, indicating that a substantial quake could potentially strike the Pacific Northwest. However, he highlighted two positive outcomes from the recent quake: its relatively mild magnitude spared the local infrastructure from extensive damage and allowed for the release of built-up seismic energy, which can reduce the odds of an impending large quake.
The recent quake occurred approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Sechelt just before 1:30 p.m. on Friday and was felt widely across Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far. Local news outlets have reached out to the Mayor’s office for any further updates on potential damage assessments.
In summary, following the recent earthquake, the City of Vancouver confirmed that all inspected bridges exhibited no damage. Dr. Tony Yang highlighted the resilience of newer structures in facing seismic activity and emphasized the potential risks from stronger earthquakes. The earthquake facilitated the release of tectonic pressure, reducing future seismic risks. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from the event, marking a favorable outcome given the circumstances.
Original Source: vancouver.citynews.ca
