NewsWhore
01-15-2010, 06:00 PM
A former Minister of Public Works, Engineer Rafael Corominas Pepin, comments that an observation of the rubble makes it apparent that many structures in Port-au-Prince collapsed because re-bar had not been used and buildings were constructed in close proximity, as reported in Hoy. He pointed out the existence of thousands of buildings in the DR that are used by hundreds of people, such as schools, hospitals, military posts and churches built before 1979, when new seismic regulations were put into effect. He said that techniques exist that would allow buildings in this category to be reinforced to withstand any possible earthquake. He also commented that seismic regulations in place since 1979 are not totally respected by builders. Nevertheless, he doubted that high-rise buildings that are too close together could bring about a domino effect in case of a major earthquake. He did express his concern for high-rises that use the first level for parking.
Corominas confirmed that the DR is vulnerable to a quake along the Septentrional Fault, such as the 6.5 earthquake in 2003, causing damage in Santiago and Puerto Plata. The north and northeast of the country are believed to be the most vulnerable areas.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)
Corominas confirmed that the DR is vulnerable to a quake along the Septentrional Fault, such as the 6.5 earthquake in 2003, causing damage in Santiago and Puerto Plata. The north and northeast of the country are believed to be the most vulnerable areas.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#12)