Galery

1

According to Prof. Spirakos, "it would be a big step to install measuring devices on the Greek monuments in a hierarchical order. As funds are limited due to economic conditions, it is desirable to find money to be used for the monitoring of sites in some order, giving priority to those that are visited by many people as there is a risk for visitors as well." The specialist also notes that "it is important to continuously monitor a monument over time, as bridges are being monitored, because everything wears out. It is known that in Greece we are lagging behind in terms of control of monuments but also with regard to construction projects in general. Sensors may once have been placed to monitor some infrastructure sites but the question is whether they are still functioning or if they have been forgotten."

As stated by Prof. Spirakos, "in Greece the seismic protection of monuments is insufficient. Control especially over those that receive visitors is a matter of immediate priority. There is a need for control and repair regulations for stone masonry buildings, many of the monuments being of this type, so that any future intervention is performed in a more efficient and scientifically grounded manner."

On the other hand, as the professor states, "Laboratory experiments have demonstrated an exceptional behaviour of ancient Greek columns during earthquakes. Somewhat intuitively the ancients developed and applied principles that have been proven over time and today we use many of their principles."

As for the durability of buildings in general in the event of a future earthquake, Prof. Spirakos notes, "the bad thing is that in many places in Greece the authorities are "sleeping" because no major earthquakes have occurred in recent years. However, as experience has shown, there is a problem mainly where they do not expect an earthquake because probably the buildings are not properly prepared for such a phenomenon. Each private owner knows more or less whether his home is built properly if it is old or if he has made changes to it. We all know our houses and must take the necessary measures."

Here the specialist gives the example of Japan, where the mentality is different and where each owner is obliged to repair his home and renew it after 50 years of use. Buildings such as hotels and others are included in categories depending on the assessment they receive based on their behaviour during earthquakes.

"It is pointless to say that the buildings in Athens and Greece in general are in good general condition. What is the use of this general condition if a few people die in an earthquake? What matters is that the buildings where large numbers of people gather, such as schools, churches, stadiums, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, etc. should be checked at all events. A certificate that meets certain seismic standards must be required on the model that a health permit is issued for an establishment," concludes Prof. Spirakos.