A Mexican City Case Study (Morelia, Michoacan) about Buildings and Infrastructure Damages from Active Geological Faults

Abstract eng:
This is a case study in a Mexican City (Morelia, Michoacan), about an inventory of present and potential damages in buildings and infrastructure along one of its main geological faults called “La Paloma.” Morelia City is the capital of the State of Michoacan, which is in the central part of Mexico. The City is located in a valley originated by the Mexican Volcanic Belt tectonic activity. It extends over the Cuitzeo Basin, which lies on top of a section of the “Sierra de Mil Cumbres.” This area is intersected by the active system of the Morelia-Acambay fault. The tectonic activity of the region have provoked multiple geological faults and sinking phenomena in the City. Just in October 2007 there were a couple of low intensity earthquakes with epicenter within the City, reminding Us about the faults‟ active status. “La Paloma” is among the most critical faults. It extends in an East-West direction, with variable height differences (200 meters at its maximum). Last decades have witnessed considerable construction of buildings along and around this fault: Reasons are multiple and often related with a high real state revenue. However, serious soil displacements have occurred along some sectors of the fault, damaging partial or completely constructions and infrastructure. In this context, the article presents a documented inventory of the relevant buildings and infrastructure damaged, thorough photographs, geo-positioning, owners‟ standpoint, and third party opinions. Derived from this information, possible future scenarios for damages are also discussed.

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