Legislative building is safe - engineer

CEBU, Philippines - A private structural engineer has certified that the Legislative Building at the Capitol compound is still structurally sound, stable and safe for occupancy after the earthquake.

The building said to be conforming to the prevailing National Structural Code of the Philippines and generally accepted engineering principle and practices.

A group of structural engineers and some members of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers earlier inspected the building after the earthquake.

Acting provincial engineer Hector Jamora said that the opinion of the third party is needed prompting the Province to hire E.F. Velarde Structural Design and Consultancy.

Random check on structural components was performed on visible areas to evaluate the effects and degree of damage of the building that will affect its stability, serviceability and structural capacity brought by the earthquake and aftershocks.

“No major damage particularly on the structural components such as columns, beams, slabs that may cause immediate danger to its occupants was seen during inspection,” said Engr. Edgar Velarde.

Velarde said that cracks reported were non-structural and has no effect on its structural stability such as on the walls, finishes, cladding, and others.

“However, this should be repaired immediately by filling up low viscosity epoxy or reinforcing it to attain its original physical state,” he said.

High concrete hollow block (CHB) walls that gave way at the Vice Governor’s office must be repaired with lateral support on all sides while other high CHB wall were not visible on its lateral support at the top has to be checked.

“No cracks on the post tension slab underneath the tiles that were detached from its flooring. Tiles normally would detached since it has low flexibility or non-elastic,” Velarde said.

But Jamora said the assessment report would still be submitted to the Office of the Building Official in Cebu City who has the authority to declare the safety before the occupant could return to their offices.

Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale and the members of the Provincial Board are temporarily holding office at the Capitol main building.

Initially, Jamora estimated the amount of the repair and rehabilitation to cost around P5 million.—(FREEMAN)