Vancouver Bridges Remain Intact After Recent Earthquake

Following a 4.7-magnitude earthquake in southern B.C., the City of Vancouver reported no damage to local bridges. Inspections revealed that most modern structures can withstand significant seismic activity. Dr. Tony Yang from UBC explained the importance of addressing both structural and non-structural components to enhance building resilience in this earthquake-prone area.

The City of Vancouver has confirmed that local bridges sustained no damage following a 4.7-magnitude earthquake that struck southern British Columbia on February 22, 2025. Two days post-quake, structural engineering consultants conducted thorough inspections, revealing no significant structural issues. Dr. Tony Yang, a civil engineering professor at the University of British Columbia, stated that while visual damage such as cracks would be the initial focus, non-structural elements may also have been affected, albeit likely not from this recent quake. Overall, Metro Vancouver structures, particularly those built in the last half-century, are designed to resist seismic forces, with approximately a 98 percent probability of withstanding major quakes.

Dr. Yang emphasized that while modern structures should not collapse in significant earthquakes, they might still incur substantial damage. He pointed out that property owners can pursue various engineering solutions for enhanced performance, which could minimize damage. The standard practice prioritizes collapse prevention, but many existing buildings may suffer severe impacts as earthquake magnitudes increase.

Vancouver’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire adds to its seismic vulnerability, as this region is consistently active with earthquakes. Dr. Yang recalled several major seismic events, including the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, and expressed concerns for the Pacific Northwest’s potential future quakes.

He noted two critical outcomes from the recent tremor: first, it was not severe enough to cause structural damage, and second, it released accumulated seismic energy. This release could help prevent more significant future earthquakes, thus benefiting local infrastructure. The quake’s epicenter was recorded approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Sechelt, felt throughout various areas, including Metro Vancouver and parts of the Sunshine Coast, with no injuries reported.

In summary, the City of Vancouver reported no damage to bridges following the seismic activity on February 22, 2025. Structural inspections confirmed the resilience of modern infrastructure against earthquakes, although non-structural components may still be susceptible in more considerable quakes. Dr. Yang highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring and effective engineering practices to mitigate potential future risks in this seismically active region.

Original Source: vancouver.citynews.ca