soft soils
Coverage of soft soils in the Nexus archive.
- Before Venezuela earthquakes, engineers warned tall buildings could collapse atop soft soil
Engineers in Venezuela have long warned that tall concrete buildings constructed on soft soils are highly vulnerable to collapse during earthquakes. The soft soils amplify seismic shaking, increasing the risk of structural failure.
- Before Venezuela earthquakes, engineers warned tall buildings could collapse atop soft soil
Engineers in Venezuela warned for years that tall concrete buildings constructed on soft soils are highly prone to collapse during earthquakes. The soft soils amplify seismic shaking, increasing the risk of structural failure.
- Older buildings and substandard construction left Venezuela vulnerable to earthquakes
Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela in 2026, causing over 900 deaths and widespread building collapses due to older construction, substandard building practices, and vulnerable geography. Microsoft's AI analysis found that a third of structures in Catia La Mar were damaged, with experts citing soft soils, tall concrete buildings, and lack of retrofitting as key factors.