Sucre engineers launch structural inspections following seismic activity

The Centro de Ingenieros del Estado Sucre (CIES), in collaboration with regional authorities, firefighters, and Civil Protection, has deployed Structural Vulnerability Inspection Brigades in Sucre State, Venezuela. This initiative follows a pair of seismic events recorded on June 24.

Cristina de Santana, president of CIES, stated that the mission focuses on preventive assessment rather than traditional post-earthquake diagnosis. The goal is to identify structural weaknesses before they lead to failure. The region is considered to have a high seismic risk due to the El Pilar Fault in the Benítez municipality.

Key factors contributing to building vulnerability include lack of maintenance, water leaks, unplanned weight loads from water tanks, and unauthorized structural modifications. The inspection teams, which include experienced civil engineers, will prioritize schools and healthcare centers. There is particular concern regarding educational facilities built with the ‘Cajetón’ construction system, which may require seismic beam reinforcements.