By love-89.com During an interview on October 21, Professor Nasis Koumoutsos from the National Technical University of Athens commented on the significance of preserving earthquake sites after visiting the Bei Chuan earthquake relics in Sichuan province. He expressed, “The idea of preserving earthquake sites is fantastic. The information extracted from the existing structural system will aid in constructing better earthquake-resistant buildings in the future.”
The old town of Bei Chuan was severely damaged in the catastrophic Wenchuan earthquake on May 12. The protected area of the site spans 2.66 square kilometers, with a key protection zone of 0.79 square kilometers and 127 historically significant structures. This site uniquely represents the largest and most comprehensive collection of earthquake disaster relics preserved in their original location and state globally.
Puxin, the Deputy Director of the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau, also emphasized the importance of these earthquake sites as historical witnesses and essential specimens for studying seismic resistance. Following the Wenchuan earthquake, Sichuan initiated a selection and protection campaign for earthquake relics, successfully preserving the town of Bei Chuan as a provincial-level cultural heritage site.
He Ruixue, the secretary of the party committee and director of the Wenchuan Earthquake Memorial Museum, discussed the ongoing efforts in safeguarding the relics, referencing the “Cultural Heritage Protection Planning for the Bei Chuan Earthquake Site.” Although measures like engineering protections and the establishment of a research base for earthquake artifacts have been implemented, there remains a significant need to enhance environmental stewardship around the site and protect the artifacts themselves.
As time progresses and natural forces continue to act, changes to the earthquake site are inevitable. Protecting it effectively presents a global technical challenge and calls for long-term commitment.
At an international academic exchange meeting on the preservation of the Bei Chuan earthquake site, experts from both China and abroad gathered to discuss strategies. Nine specialists were appointed as esteemed consultants for the protection of the site.
Ge Jiaqi, a researcher at the China Aviation Planning and Design Institute and a national engineering master, noted that structures at earthquake sites differ significantly from modern buildings, lacking applicable theoretical frameworks and performance evaluation methods. He has proposed preliminary reinforcement solutions involving additional steel truss supports and prestressed cables to enhance the structures’ resistance to collapse.
Yang Weiguo, a professor and doctoral advisor at Beijing Jiaotong University, observed the integration of new technologies for site preservation during his return to Bei Chuan after more than ten years. He pointed out advancements such as high-precision sensors that monitor building settlement, deformation, and displacement, as well as the implementation of three-dimensional data collection to establish a high-definition database for the site.
“Different damage modes across structural forms provide valuable, real-case examples for future research,” Yang added. He believes that the protection of the Bei Chuan earthquake site is a new field that requires further academic inquiry and financial investment. “This site serves as a reference for global research on seismic resistance.”
In an interview, Professor Michalis Vragidis, director of the Earthquake Engineering Laboratory at the National Technical University of Athens, expressed appreciation for the preservation of the Bei Chuan earthquake relics. He noted that unlike in many places where earthquake sites are often demolished, the diverse deteriorations seen in Bei Chuan offer precious materials for academic research. “I am deeply impressed and grateful for the efforts made by Chinese authorities and the academic community,” he remarked.