Why did one modest building survive the Venezuela earthquakes?

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A Modest Building Survived Venezuela's Deadly Earthquakes Due to Design and Construction Choices

A three-storey apartment block in Puerto Viejo, La Guaira, Venezuela, remarkably withstood powerful earthquakes that reduced surrounding taller and more luxurious buildings to rubble. The builders attribute its survival to its modest height, the use of solid construction materials, and foundations specifically engineered for La Guaira's inherently unstable terrain. This resilience stands in stark contrast to the widespread devastation experienced by many larger structures in the region.
Solid Construction and Foundation Design

The building, constructed two decades prior, remained largely intact with its foundations, columns, staircases, and windows surviving the seismic activity. Elias Eduardo Chayeb, one of the builders, highlighted that while some walls may have cracked, the structural integrity was maintained, preventing a catastrophic collapse. This robustness is a testament to the careful engineering employed, particularly in the foundation's design, which was tailored to the challenging geological conditions of La Guaira.
Experience and Caution of Veteran Builder

The elder Elias Chayeb, a builder with over sixty years of experience, had a long-standing policy of refusing to construct high-rise buildings in La Guaira. His reservations stemmed from concerns about the local landscape and a deep awareness of past natural disasters. His cautious approach was significantly influenced by the devastating 1999 landslide and the deadly 1967 earthquake that struck Caracas, events that underscored the region's vulnerability.
Impact of Seismic Activity and Future Considerations

The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurred along the San Sebastian fault system, which traverses Venezuela’s northern coastline. This geological setting means the fault line remains an ongoing concern. Residents, like Ingrid Palacios, who survived the quake within the modest building, expressed a sentiment that the rebuilt city should prioritize lower-rise structures, such as three-storey buildings, small chalets, and modest houses, reflecting a desire for greater safety and resilience in future developments.

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Why did one modest building survive the Venezuela earthquakes?

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