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History has shown that Albanians have a very short memory and make mistakes at the expense of themselves. The earthquake of November 26, 2019 had serious psychological consequences.
Investigations were launched into the destroyed buildings by the prosecutor’s offices of several districts affected by the disaster. The only file finalized and sent to the court was that of the Durrës prosecutor’s office with 16 defendants from business, ALUIZNI or the local urban office. The file was quickly dismissed and the charges were dropped for all defendants.
The government would then react with some decisions in the field of construction. It seemed as if the awareness started both in the legislative aspect and in the implementation of the new constructions or in the reconstruction process.
“If I were to take the period after the earthquake, there was an interest of investors, residents, etc. to make reinforcements, re-evaluations of buildings. They said that the project with 10% more, increased the seismic strength. This did not last long. What we notice as designers in some cases even mistakes have been made. The facilities have not passed an accurate analysis to assess the causes that led to damage, then to make the correct design “said Arben Dervishaj, Albanian Builders Association
The government through a decision in January 2020 would establish a procedure for buildings damaged by the earthquake according to the Eurocode. So, these European protocols would be followed for repairs or rehabilitation interventions would be made where deemed necessary.
According to the DCM, the areas for which the risk assessment that threatens the engineering work is required are:
1. Seismic risk;
2. Geological hazard;
3. Fire hazard;
4. Hydrological and flood risk;
5. Radiation risk.
Construction entities must first be provided with a risk certificate from the competent body issuing the permit, for which these entities apply. The DCM in question also provides for the risk of liquefaction of deposits where engineering facilities are supported.
Liquidation risk assessment studies are required to be an integral part of the geological study and will be carried out based on some specific technical criteria such as: Number of drillings, their distribution and depth to be done in accordance with the standards of the design phases; Study depth should be carried out up to 22 m in case unconsolidated deposits have thickness greater than 22 m and, in case their thickness is less than 22 m, study should be carried out up to root rocks.
The standards related to test taking, quantity and place of taking them, performing field tests, seismic parameters for the magnitude of the ground vibration acceleration, as well as the physico-mechanical parameters necessary for the geotechnical evaluation of the construction site in liquefaction connection; Studies to assess the possibility of occurrence of liquefaction phenomenon should be performed by certified geological-engineering, geotechnical and seismologists, who have completed higher studies at the level of “Scientific Master” or doctorate in engineering geology, geotechnics and seismology . Experts must have over 10 years of experience in such studies; Tests for physico-mechanical parameters of soils should be performed in certified laboratories. Studies to assess the possibility of occurrence of the liquefaction phenomenon should be subject to oppositions conducted by certified experts.
But, the experts judge that this DCM has not been implemented and has remained only on paper. On the other hand there is no complete material to be applicable. At the same time, equipment and laboratories are missing.
“We are partially unprepared in capacity to make it fully applicable to the amount of works they are. I would be happy if at least 5% of critical works are designed with Eurocodes. For a very simple reason, because they are not yet in force. Investing in prevention is several times better than curing afterwards. What I notice with regret we had a solidarity of 1,2,3 months and so after the earthquake “said Markel Baballëku, Faculty of Civil Engineering Tirana
The issue of lack of safety in construction indicates a lack of sustainable long-term reflection. This is well reflected in the government’s unwillingness to make an assessment. A report with clear professional conclusions regarding the earthquake of November 26, 2019 to share responsibilities.
“After 2019, very few things have changed in the legislative aspect. An element has changed, but I do not agree with this approach. The self-declaration and mandatory security of the new facility has been introduced. Self-declaration of responsibility of professionals participating in the work that if something happens to the object, the responsibility is theirs. The idea is not to find a culprit when the tragedy occurs, but to use mechanisms to prevent the tragedy from happening. The provision of facilities is also necessary. Eurocodes had to be enforced, control of works by the state instance. And while we are talking, we all know that illegal constructions continue “said the architect, Arnel Çela
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