DCE Conducts Infrastructure Audit of Buildings in Alulod, Indang, Cavite

As part of the extension activities of the Department of Civil Engineering (DCE), faculty and students conduct an infrastructure audit of buildings in Brgy. Alulod, Indang, Cavite. Inspection of buildings was conducted by students last January 2018 as part of their Thesis, while the presentation of results was conducted by the faculty last June 6, 2018.

Infrastructure audit provides the types of structural defects present in major infrastructure that need detailed investigation and immediate attention, and show the level of earthquake vulnerability of the infrastructure. Structural defects are needed to be considered by the occupants for their safety when earthquakes occur. Out of this infrastructure audit, mapping of earthquake vulnerability was developed. The map was color-coded depending on vulnerability. Red, orange, green and yellow will represent "high", "moderate", "moderately low"and "low"vulnerabilities, respectively.

From left, Engr. Roslyn P. Pena (DCE Chairperson); Engr. Cene M. Bago (DCE Faculty & alumni of CvSU Master of Engineering Program); Dr. Rosena O. Rozul (Principal of Alulod Elementary School); Engr. Katherine Grace J. Pena (DCE Faculty and student of CvSU - Master of Engineering Program); and Mr. Danielito R. Escano (CEIT Extension Coordinator). The picture was taken during our presentation of results of Infrastructure Audit on their buildings at Alulod Elementary School. The building behind was one of the inspected structure.

Different buildings in Alulod were audited including elementary school, brgy.hall and residential houses with a total of 38 infrastructures using three methods, namely: (1) Rapid Visual Screening (RVS); (2) Rapid Condition Assessment (RCAsT); and (3) Local Infrastructure Audit Form (LIAF).

Results of the activity showed that majority of the buildings are safe from risks that the earthquake may impose. In connection to this, a fraction of the inspected buildings need further investigation to determine if these vulnerable buildings need immediate maintenance and possible retrofitting works.