If you like to worry, here’s something else to add to your list: Those new condo towers might not hold up so well in the event of an earthquake.
Many recently constructed highrise buildings in British Columbia could topple or crumble in a major earthquake, according to a new study made public on Wednesday.
The University of British Columbia Earthquake Lab study found buildings made with six-inch concrete support walls aren’t as resistant to earthquakes as previously believed, despite being fully compliant with building codes.
The news comes on the 311th anniversary of one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded on North America’s Pacific Coast, in 1700. About 460,000 B.C. residents marked the anniversary by participating in the country’s largest simultaneous earthquake preparedness drill ever executed.
In his study, UBC’s Prof. Perry Adebar looked at the devastating 8.8-magnitude Chilean earthquake in 2010, comparing it to what could happen if a quake hit B.C. He found many of Chile’s older buildings stayed intact, while newer buildings were more likely to crumble.
The use of thinner walls has become popular in Chile and North America – where building codes are very similar – in order to fit more spots in underground parking garages and create more interior space.
Put on your helmet and read the full story over at CTV.
