Regardless of its location, every building is subject to the effects of outside forces, which include gravity, wind, earthquakes, temperature changes and geotechnical considerations. The recent catastrophic earthquake in Sichuan province, which caused widespread devastation and claimed tens of thousands of lives, has provided many examples of buildings at varying degrees of damage and in different contorted shapes.
Modern science has enabled experts, such as structural engineers, to prepare and organise earthquake provisions through building codes during the building process. However, having a modern earthquake code does not guarantee earthquake-resistant buildings. The clarity of the codes and code enforcement are also important.
Unfortunately, it is heartbreaking disasters - that involve the tragic loss of lives - that often prompt structural engineers to seek answers to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. By using sophisticated computer software and post-earthquake documented analysis to investigate the cause of structural damage, failure, or collapse, engineers can be better prepared to undertake earthquake planning and risk mitigation. This can include identification, quantification, and mitigation of risk through optimal repair strategies, performance-based upgrades and customised solutions.
In the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) structural engineer members responded to a request from non-governmental organisations to carry out voluntary inspections of the design of schools and other community building projects in various locations on the mainland.
Kwan Kin-kei, immediate past chairman of the HKIE structural division and director at Ove Arup and Partners (HK), believes Hong Kong structural engineers have a short- and long-term role to play in working with the engineering and construction industry in Sichuan.
'We have experienced members who can contribute expertise and make up for a shortage of structural engineering manpower,' he said.