Vancouver Bridges Inspected, No Damage Reported After Earthquake

Following a 4.7-magnitude earthquake, the City of Vancouver has reported no structural damage to local bridges. Expert evaluations revealed potential non-structural impacts but concurred that most buildings can withstand such events. Dr. Tony Yang noted the importance of this quake in managing future seismic risks, given Vancouver’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The City of Vancouver has confirmed that there was no damage to its bridges following the 4.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred in southern British Columbia. Structural engineering consultants conducted thorough inspections, ensuring the integrity of local bridges. Despite significant structural assessments, specialists acknowledge the existence of potential non-structural damage which could affect the functionality of various components, although it is unlikely to have occurred in this instance.

Dr. Tony Yang, a civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, highlighted that visual inspections typically focus on identifying cracks in structural elements like walls and columns. He indicated that while recent building codes allow for a 98 percent success rate in withstanding earthquakes, such protections are primarily designed for collapse prevention. This implies that while structures may remain standing, they might nevertheless incur notable damage in the event of a significant earthquake.

Dr. Yang emphasized that Vancouver lies within the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a highly seismically active area that has experienced severe earthquakes in the past, including notable events in Japan and New Zealand. He warned that while the recent earthquake was not severe, it did serve to release pent-up seismic energy, reducing the likelihood of a more substantial quake in the near future. Thus, the recent seismic event is viewed positively as it mitigates future risks.

The earthquake, which struck 20 kilometers northwest of Sechelt shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Friday, was widely felt across Metro Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, extending even to Lillooet. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries stemming from the incident. The latest updates from the Mayor’s office regarding any further damage inquiries have also been pursued by 1130 NewsRadio.

The City of Vancouver confirmed no damage to its bridges following a recent earthquake, with engineers assessing structural integrity positively. Dr. Tony Yang noted that although most buildings can withstand minor quakes, significant damage could still occur. The Pacific Ring of Fire’s seismic activity is acknowledged, yet the recent quake also alleviates pressure that could lead to more severe future events, highlighting the complexities of earthquake preparedness.

Original Source: vancouver.citynews.ca