A system is created to diagnose property health
To do this, ERN, a Mexican risk assessment and management company, created R-Health, a technological tool that will allow constant monitoring of buildings and determine their structural health immediately.
In an interview, Eduardo Reinoso, General Director of Natural Risk Assessment (ERN), commented that the negative impact that a natural disaster can have is considerable, not only because of the damage it causes, but also because of the stoppage of use, operations, and productivity. that brings with it a property that is damaged or that must be supervised before being reoccupied.
"Given this, it is important to begin to highlight technological solutions that help solve these problems in a timely and efficient manner," he stressed.
Technological advances and the use of sensors (accelerometers) placed in buildings allow occupants, owners, or different stakeholders to have immediate and valuable information after an earthquake, and to know when it is safe to enter a property and/or continue with the functionality of their structures.
"With this system, a building is being implemented permanently through a private web microsite where protected properties and structures are monitored in real-time, receiving, after an earthquake, a detailed report and notifications based on traffic lights," says Jaime. Cater, Commercial Director of ERN.
How does it work?
Eduardo Reinoso explained that they place "accelerometers, to measure the behavior of the building"; The technology has been developed together with the UNAM Engineering Institute, which means that some devices are 10 times cheaper than conventional ones.
Why should we hire parametric insurance?
“This makes it possible to reduce expenses for loss of business, and cessation of activities after an event of these characteristics, providing information, as well as reducing the time and cost of the inspection by a specialist. In the earthquake of September 19, 2017, Reforma Avenue was full of corporate people, and not even a bicycle could circulate. This system would help us in minutes to know if the building had nothing and people can enter”, says the expert.
He adds that the properties are connected to the internet all the time, and "when there is an earthquake, the information is automatically captured and through an algorithm, the owner or administrator is informed that the building had such intensities in terms of acceleration and the estimated damage and it is defined if it should be at a yellow, red or green traffic light”.
He adds that with this technology security protocols are not replaced, “we are providing information that will help that person make a better decision. We have very frequent tremors, and only a few cause damage”.
By Engee Chavarria.