Waking abruptly in the early morning hours because the bed is shaking sends a tingle of fear through your body. As California residents for many years, you grow accustom to the occasional bed-shaker. I always slept with "escape" clothing on the floor by my bed in Carmel. My house was built on stilts, 3 stories from the ground, I was always ready to grab and run in case of "the Big One."
This morning at 3:45 am, M and I woke with a start as the bed started to shimmy and as the tremor increased the windows and sliding doors vibrated in their tracks. We heard a small crash in the kitchen. After about 4 secs, it all subsided.
The USGS website is fascinating and always informative on the sources and impact of earthquakes all over the world. This morning's event was a 4.6 magnitude with the epicenter about 30 kms from our home. We feel tremors every once in awhile. Though this was the strongest that I've experienced here. Central American is the juncture of 4 tectonic plates plus a few volcanos.
As we lay in bed feeling the tremor pass, we felt confident in the security of our home. Our architect submitted the plans to the Colegio Topografico de Ingenieros de Costa Rica. This is the body that reviews architectural and structural plans of all buildings in Costa Rica. They require that a home like ours be constructed to withstand a 6.0 Magnitude earthquake.
We were here in January 2016 when the foundation was laid. We observed the 16 caissons and concrete/rebar concrete perimeter under the downstairs bedroom/bath and pilar (laundry room.) Each caisson's footing is 1 meter squared reinforced with rebar. The building pad is relatively level and the soil is a reddish clay like substance providing a solid base.
I'm hoping that we won't have to experience a 6.0m or higher to test the stability of our home.
Comments