Newcastle resident assessed damage in Haiti

Mark Pierepiekarz, a structural engineer from Newcastle, was called to Haiti just days after the quake hit to help evaluate the structural damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Now that he’s back home, Pierepiekarz wants to help Haiti rebuild their country so that it might better stand up to natural disasters.  

Pierepiekarz was able to give some Haitians relief when he told them their homes were safe to occupy, but in most cases, the method of construction in Haiti was too weak to survive.

Traditionally, Haitian buildings are built using concrete frames and concrete block walls, Pierepiekarz says. He explained that during an earthquake these walls typically crack and collapse.

While in Haiti, Pierepiekarz toured Port Au Prince and witnessed the vast damage there. In general, he found residents living in open spaces, afraid to reenter buildings.

But he says life is beginning to return in some areas. Markets are open, produce is being delivered and communication is possible.

“As long as the Haiti holds the world’s attention then they have a chance for things to improve in the long term,” said Pierepiekarz.

He urges the United States to provide technological and construction expertise and training to Haiti so that the country might continue to assess their buildings.

Though he does not have a planned return trip, Pierepiekarz says he hopes to help Haitians develop new methods to retrofit their buildings.