Sophia Baltodano | Staff Writer
Following the recent earthquake in Venezuela, a structural engineer and FIU alumni is bringing together engineers and universities across the Americas to help assess damaged buildings and support the country’s long-term recovery. Rather than providing traditional disaster relief, the initiative focuses on sharing engineering expertise, training professionals, and helping determine which structures are safe after the disaster.
Dr. Rafael Camilo Gutierrez, a professor in FIU’s Moss School of Construction, said the earthquake caused widespread destruction because of its strength, shallow depth, and the large number of older, weaker-built structures throughout the country. He said that around 200 buildings collapsed and about 1,000 more are at risk of collapsing: thousands of additional structures will need to be inspected before they can be considered safe.
“The people in Venezuela really need help,” Gutierrez said. “Not only for this moment, but because the recovery of the city is going to take years.”
Gutierrez said the disaster comes as Venezuela continues to face political and economic challenges, making recovery even more difficult. He said many communities are already struggling with limited resources, and the earthquake has only added to those difficulties. Gutierrez has emphasized the people’s need for support, food, and–most importantly–international community support.
Drawing on his background as a structural engineer, including a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from FIU, Gutierrez is connecting professors and engineers from the United States, Colombia, and Venezuela. The goal is to help Venezuelan engineers inspect damaged buildings using methods commonly practiced in the United States while sharing technical knowledge between countries to improve relief efforts.
“Right now, Venezuela doesn’t have the regulations for these inspections,” Gutierrez said. “It’s necessary to explain the methodology and work together.”
Gutierrez spoke of universities’ importance in this initiative since they can connect with experienced professionals while also training future engineers. He is working with faculty at Universidad Metropolitana, Universidad Central de Venezuela and Universidad Católica Andrés Bello to help coordinate inspections and share expertise.
Students working in FIU’s structural laboratory. | Photo courtesy of Dr. Rafael Camilo Gutierrez.
In addition to universities, Gutierrez said he is partnering with nonprofit organizations to improve communication between engineers and support the inspection process. He said bringing together professionals from different countries allows everyone to contribute their knowledge and experience toward a common goal.
One of the most meaningful parts of the project, Gutierrez said, has been seeing engineers from the United States, Colombia and Venezuela work together. Since Colombia and Venezuela share similar construction practices and building codes the experience can help strengthen the recovery effort.
At FIU, Gutierrez has also incorporated lessons from the disaster into his structural engineering courses. He said teaching students about real-world disasters helps them understand why building codes and proper design are essential for protecting lives.
“We need to teach according to the real situation,” Gutierrez said. “When construction doesn’t meet the codes, the results can be fatal.”
Gutierrez hopes more engineers, universities, and students will become involved as recovery efforts continue. While current students may not yet have the experience to inspect damaged buildings, he said learning about structural safety now will prepare them to contribute in the future.
“The students can integrate into the process,” Gutierrez said. “This is a contribution through engineering, knowledge and solidarity.”
Gutierrez said rebuilding Venezuela will require long-term international cooperation rather than only immediate emergency aid.
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