The City of Vancouver reports no damage to bridges after a 4.7-magnitude earthquake on February 22, 2025. Inspections revealed that recent structures are built to withstand significant seismic events. Experts emphasize the need for advanced technology to prevent damage, emphasizing proactive safety measures in light of the region’s seismic activity.
The City of Vancouver has confirmed that no damage was found to its bridges following the 4.7-magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 22, 2025. Structural engineering consultants conducted inspections and reported positive results two days post-quake. Dr. Tony Yang, a civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, explained that inspections typically start with visual assessments for cracks and structural integrity, although non-structural components also warrant consideration.
Dr. Yang noted that while major earthquakes could inflict significant damage, the majority of structures built in Metro Vancouver over the last 50 years are designed to withstand such forces. He stated, “You have about a 98 per cent chance that your structures will be able to withstand the load.” However, he cautioned that while buildings might not collapse, they could still sustain costly damage.
He emphasized that for owners desiring high performance and minimized damage, advanced technology is available. “If some places are looking for higher performance, then the owners can request to have better performance for like no damage or low damage,” he remarked. This highlights a proactive approach to seismic safety beyond mere collapse prevention.
Vancouver is located within the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, a region known for its seismic activity, as outlined by Dr. Yang. He mentioned that significant earthquakes have occurred in various areas surrounding this rim, including Japan and New Zealand. “Many large earthquakes have happened in the Ring of Fire over the last couple decades,” he observed.
Notably, the recent quake provided two positive outcomes: it was not overly strong, which mitigated structural damage, and it allowed for the release of seismic energy, potentially averting a larger quake in the future. The earthquake struck just northwest of Sechelt, affecting thousands across the Metro Vancouver area without any reported injuries. 1130 NewsRadio has contacted the Mayor’s office for further updates regarding damage assessments.
In conclusion, following a recent earthquake, the City of Vancouver has confirmed that local bridges remain structurally sound with no reported damage. The inspections conducted by engineers indicate that while recent seismic activity posed a risk, current infrastructure is largely capable of withstanding such events. The outcome of this quake serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerabilities while highlighting the importance of ongoing assessments and advancements in engineering technology for future preparedness.
Original Source: vancouver.citynews.ca
