Vancouver Bridges Undamaged After Recent Earthquake, City Confirms

Following a 4.7-magnitude earthquake, the City of Vancouver confirmed that local bridges are undamaged. Inspections conducted revealed no structural issues, although non-structural damage may need consideration. Dr. Tony Yang indicated that most buildings can withstand significant quakes, yet the risks of larger earthquakes remain due to Vancouver’s position on the “Pacific Ring of Fire.” The recent quake has potentially released built-up energy, reducing future earthquake risks.

The City of Vancouver has confirmed that following a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that struck southern British Columbia, local bridges sustained no damage. Structural engineering consultants carried out thorough inspections of the city’s bridges, ensuring public safety was maintained. Dr. Tony Yang, a civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, noted that inspectors initially search for visible structural damage, like cracks in the walls and foundations, yet there is also a risk of non-structural damage that could affect equipment functionality.

Dr. Yang emphasized that while most structures in Metro Vancouver, built within the last 50 years, can withstand significant earthquakes, properties may suffer from expensive, non-structural damage. “You have about a 98 percent chance that your structures will be able to withstand the load,” he stated. He acknowledged that achieving a higher performance standard for buildings could prevent or reduce such damage, although this is not commonly sought by owners

Regarding earthquake risks, Dr. Yang highlighted Vancouver’s location on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” which encompasses some of the world’s most seismically active regions. He stated, “Many large earthquakes have happened in the Ring of Fire over the last couple decades.” He referenced significant quakes in Japan, New Zealand, and Chile over the past decade, suggesting similar risks exist for the Pacific Northwest region.

Despite the potential for severe damage in a larger earthquake, the recent quake provided two pieces of encouraging news. According to Dr. Yang, “One, it wasn’t too big, so we don’t have too much damage to the structures.” Furthermore, he pointed out that the moderate quake helped release built-up seismic energy, potentially mitigating the risk of a larger event in the future. The earthquake, which struck 20 kilometers northwest of Sechelt, was felt widely across Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, with no reported injuries so far.

In summary, the City of Vancouver has reported no damage to its bridges following the recent earthquake. Inspections revealed that while structural integrity was maintained, non-structural damage may still pose risks. With Vancouver’s location in a seismically active zone, the potential for larger earthquakes remains. However, the recent quake’s moderate magnitude allowed for the release of seismic energy, possibly averting more significant events in the future.

Original Source: vancouver.citynews.ca