In Cebu: Phivolcs to install new equipment

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is bringing in new equipment to Cebu province that will give its field office here the capability to examine how the ground and the structures react to an earthquake.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. said the institute, an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology, is initiating several projects in Cebu. He said the province is among the important localities in the country.

Solidum also serves as DOST undersecretary for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

He said Phivolcs is conducting a detailed study which is part of the agency’s project this year that is in coordination with the Cebu City government.

The study is called microtremor survey that would be helpful to guide engineers in designing buildings or establishments.

He said the instrument may be installed before the year ends. At present they are still looking for a suitable site.

The main purpose of the survey is to estimate the subsurface structure that provides a fundamental basis for analysis of the response of the ground to earthquake movement.

The method is particularly common in densely-populated areas where there is difficulty in utilizing conventional seismic techniques. The application of the microtremor method is gaining popularity in the areas of construction and structural engineering so as to mitigate the potential risks caused by earthquakes.

Solidum said they are also planning to install at least seven strong-motion sensors within the province.

“This is a higher instrument than a seismograph that will sense the movement of the ground and the building during a very strong shaking,” he said.

He said these strong-motion sensors are also called accelerometers that are designed to measure the large amplitude, high-frequency seismic waves typical of large local earthquakes; these seismic waves result in the strong ground motion people feel during a large earthquake.

“This is for temporary installation only but for several years para ma-sense natin kung gaano ka lakas ang pagbugang lupa,” he said.

He said these instruments will be placed at the grounds of the Cebu City Hall and the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

They will also put up some in Barangay Busay, Cebu City; Mandaue City; Lapu-Lapu City and in the towns of Consolacion and Liloan. (FREEMAN)