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01/27/10 |
DPWH STARTS EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM |
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 To assure public safety in case a major earthquake occurs, the Department of Public Works and Highways started today its bridge and building inspection to assess the structural condition of bridges along national roads and major public buildings in Metro Manila.
Among the inspected structures in Metro Manila are the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park; the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Taft Avenue; South Superhighway Bridge No. 1 Northbound; Manuel Roxas High School in Canonigo Street; and the Nagtahan Flyover.
The inspectorate team is headed by Task Force on Building and Bridge Inspection Chairman Assistant Secretary Raul C. Asis, together with DPWH technical experts from the Bureau of Design, Research and Standard, Construction, Maintenance and Representatives from the respective district offices.
“We must be proactive and make a consolidated effort to assure public safety, that’s why we also encourage everybody to participate in our efforts and also report to us if they have observed any structurally unstable establishments” Asis said.
Asis added that they have done the screening procedures necessary to determine the buildings and bridge’s performance in case of major earthquakes wherein the physical features are verified. The presence of structural and non-structural damages should also be indicated for possible repair works if no seismic strengthening is required.
The inspectorate team adopts the Rapid Visual Screening Procedure (RVS) and Seismic Vulnerability Rating for bridges.
Among the technology used in the structural integrity of structures are the ‘Rebound Hammer’ to measure concrete hardness correlating to comprehensive strength of the concrete, the portable ‘Ultrasonic Non-destructive Indicating Tester’ to test the homogeneity of the concrete and determine crack depth and voids and the ‘Bar Tracker’ for concrete cover depth, steel reinforcement diameter and spacing. A bridge inspection vehicle was also used to identify the width of cracks and other defects practically near under the bridge.
The inspection in the Quirino Grandstand revealed that the said sports facility has visible spalling of concrete at roof slabs exposing corroded rebars and cracks on some columns, masonry walls and concrete sun-brakers. After the preliminary inspection, Asis recommends temporary closure of the one-storey building Quirino Grandstand in Ermita Manila as they have seen the structure unsafe for public use which was constructed in the 1930’s.
“The Quirino Grandstand has been seen with damages that is why temporary evacuation of the structure is recommended until such time that the structural stability of the building is assured,” Asis said.
In the South Superhighway Bridge No. 1, (northbound side) the concrete slab of the main bridge structure was dilapidated, DPWH NCR Director Edilberto Tayao said that there is already a program of work for the reconstruction of the bridge but they are still coordinating with the MMDA for the alternate route of the traffic.
Meanwhile, the Philippine General Hospital Building in Taft and the 4-storey Manuel Roxas High School Building in Pandacan, both in Manila are found structurally safe but needs some minor repairs.
The team also visited the Nagtahan Bridge which was an example of a retrofitted structure after the 1996 earthquake.
During the inspection, Asis also informed the media that the DPWH has already completed the retrofitting and reconstruction of all bridges along national roads passing through the Pasig and Marikina Rivers.
“We have just started the series of inspection in Manila in case an earthquake occurs just like in Haiti. Further assessment, inspection and evaluation shall be conducted by the inspectorate team from the BOD, BOC, BOM, BRS, NCR, concerned district engineering Offices and, PICE, ASEP, and PABO for Metro Manila; and representatives from planning, design, construction and maintenance divisions of regional offices, concerned district engineering offices, PICE, ASEP and PABO for other regions,” Asis said. |
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