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Insights of the rapid vulnerability assessment of the city of bahía de caráquez in Ecuador

Abstract:

The poor performance of structural and non-structural elements observed during the last earthquakes in Ecuador, has left cities located in the central coast region with damaged buildings due to the significant economic investment behind the common retrofitting technics managed in the country. The state of one of the most affected cities, Bahía de Caráquez characterized by mid-height reinforced concrete buildings, is studied in this paper through the usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that were deployed as Geographic Information Technologies (GIT) for reconnaissance purposes. The main benefit of UAVs is the capability of processing information rapidly at relative low costs, being able of accessing regions of interest in a short time. Elevation models created from UAVs were developed to conduct diagnosis of damaged buildings. In addition, a team was deployed to conduct rapid observations of vulnerability on selected buildings using FEMA P-154. The data from both sources revealed the necessity to urgently adopt ordinances to implement policies for vulnerable buildings. Seismic evaluations and structural rehabilitation programs would be required in the city to prevent future catastrophes.