USHER Technologies Inc., the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and Mapua University launched on Monday the Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording (Usher) System, a 24/7 economical and hassle-free system that monitors the structural integrity of buildings and other infrastructures.
Developed to address concerns on the condition of buildings, before, during and after strong earthquakes, Usher is developed by an all-Filipino team of structural engineers and experts in relevant fields that seek to prevent disasters and strengthen the country’s resilience from strong earthquakes.
Through a device that acts as an accelerograph sensor and a Web portal system, the technology provider and its users can monitor the structural health of buildings. Usher also acts as an Earthquake Recording Instrument, and is compliant with the Building Code implementing rules and regulations (IRR).
The Web portal also is useful for developers, building owners, local government units (LGUs), and building officials to ensure economical and hassle-free compliance with government regulations. Usher’s research and development, including the formation of Usher Technologies Inc. currently at its “spin-off stage” was partially funded and supported by the DOST-PCIEERD.
During the launch event, a technology transfer agreement was signed by officials of DOST-PCIEERD, Mapua University and Usher Technologies Inc.
Next year, upon its commercialization, Usher Technologies Inc. becomes an independent company, engaging in the manufacture and service provider of the device both here and abroad.
Speaking during the launch at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City, Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy said by assessing the structural integrity of buildings or public infrastructure, Usher can help prevent casualties in the event of an earthquake.
Uy, dean of the School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering at the Mapua University works with Claro “Tatu” Zablan Jr., business development officer, Engr. Donato G. Santiago, information technology officer and Engr. Michael Bautista Baylon, senior structural health engineer, all from Mapua University.
Uy said the Philippines is prone to earthquake and has been preparing for the “Big One,” or a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
He said Usher will also help strengthen highly vulnerable communities to be more resilient as early detection of possible building collapse can be avoided using Usher technology.
“In the event of a strong earthquake, our first line of defense is our buildings and homes,” said Uy. “With Usher, we hope it will become a symbol; A gift of hope in the event of a strong earthquake. More than enabling economical and hassle-free compliance, Usher can help save precious lives by actively monitoring the strength of the buildings we go in, or the bridges we cross every day and the homes we stay in. All of these are being threatened by the possibility of the Big One,” he said.
“Who heard about the Big One? Or more appropriately, who hasn’t heard of the Big One. We heard of it…warning us of the possibility of the Big One and it could happen within our lifetime. But what really is the Big One?” he stated.
According to Uy, by studying earthquake’s historical occurrence, scientists were able to form a pattern, thereby, somehow predicting when the next big quake will happen in the Philippines within our lifetime.
“It is now estimated to be 400 to 500 years. The last major earthquake [caused by the] West Valley Fault, which traverses various parts of Metro Manila was in 1658. That was 361 years ago,” he said.
He added that this means, perhaps, that the dreaded 7.2 magnitude scenario is due anytime within our lifetime, or our children’s lifetime. “It is not an occurrence we would want for ourselves or our children,” he said, citing a 2004 study, titled “Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study,” which says 40 percent of the total number of residential buildings in Metro Manila will collapse and will result in the death of 34,000. Another 140,000 people may be seriously injured and another 18,000 will die because of fire.
So far, Usher devices have been installed at the Malayan Plaza in Pasig, Prima Residences in Quezon City, One Legaspi Park in Makati, Omm-Citra Building in Pasig, Triumph Building in Quezon City, Everest Academy Manila in Taguig, Alpha Grandview Condominium in Manila and Richville Place also in Manila.
He said they are also targeting potential clients abroad, banking on the innovative technology and life-saving device developed by an all-Filipino team in partnership with the DOST-PCIEERD and Mapua University.