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BiggerHospitals and schools in the Dominican Republic were built without contemplating the earthquakes
Despite the existence of regulations for the seismic analysis and design of structures, the dangerous practice of building for public use without thinking about the seismic threat that weighs on the territory continues in the country. The seismic engineer Leonardo Reyes has been the voice for 30 years, warning about the need to reduce risks in the event of an eventual earthquake, by correct design and construction of buildings.
Now, the general director of the National Office for Seismic Assessment and Vulnerability of Infrastructure and Buildings (Onesvie), Reyes Madera, has the responsibility of contributing from the Government to the mitigation of this risk. The head of Onesvie referred to those studies that show a high percentage of vulnerability in schools and public hospitals. Likewise, he spoke about the projects in the pipeline and those that are in development.
According to the official, the first Dominican seismic regulation was created in 1979. “From then on, in more than 95 percent of the buildings, the effects of earthquakes had not been considered,” he stressed.
The gov’t can enact as many rules and regulations as it wants. However, it seems it is always the first not to mind them. Millions of $’s can be budgeted for a building project. Shortcuts will be taken to construct a cheaply as possible. The monies saved go to places not intended.
The school children, patients, and staffs are enclosed in poor quality vulnerable structures.
Years ago, I worked for an A & E firm in America. We performed “seismic design” for existing buildings, that were not seismically designed. Depending on each specific design of the existing buildings, it is possible to structurally retrofit them, thereby, making them structurally safe, without, tearing down the building.