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Cuba, the most extensive and densely populated island in the Caribbean, presents a multifaceted built environment that mirrors its dynamic historical and cultural heritage, embracing a wide array of architectural styles. Nonetheless, many buildings are impacted by the effects of time and insufficient upkeep, leading to declining conditions and structural problems. Furthermore, the eastern part of Cuba is disproportionately impacted by hurricanes, and earthquakes are also more frequent in this region, particularly in Santiago de Cuba. 

As knowledge and technology progress, building codes and safety standards also evolve to meet new requirements. Consequently, buildings that were not constructed in compliance with the current building code or were built before the introduction of the new code may be vulnerable to seismic risks. To ensure the safety of these structures, it is imperative to retrofit them. 

However, there are various challenges. For instance, engineers and building owners may lack access to the necessary assessment and retrofitting methodologies. There may be a lack of policies, plans, or incentives to retrofit buildings. Furthermore, retrofitting may not be perceived as a priority for investment, and there may be limitations in terms of the number and capacity of engineers who can conduct assessments and retrofits. 

As a contribution to component 3 of the BERLAC project, which is dedicated to fostering and enhancing local expertise for mitigating earthquake risk in the built environment, this initiative sought to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current practices and obstacles related to retrofitting buildings to withstand earthquake risks in Cuba. A representative building was identified, and recommendations were developed to strengthen its structural resilience through a comparative examination of methodologies employed in Japan and Cuba. 

In collaboration with the National Centre for Seismological Research (CENAIS) and the Cuban Ministry of Education, UNESCO identified the “Orlando Fernández Badell” school for a comprehensive structural safety evaluation. This secondary school was constructed using the Girón building system, a prefabricated system extensively used across Cuba, particularly in Santiago de Cuba, for various government and public buildings, including hospitals and schools. However, lessons from past earthquakes worldwide have highlighted the seismic vulnerability of structures employing the Girón system. 

The project assessed the structural safety of the “Orlando Fernández Badell” school in Santiago de Cuba, with a focus on seismic retrofitting. The assessment involved the implementation of non-destructive tests, aimed at mitigating uncertainties arising from the limited technical project information. Additionally, numerical methods were employed to model the structure, simulate the impact of strong seismic events, and evaluate its seismic performance. 

The outcomes of the collaboration between Cuban and Japanese engineers have significantly informed disaster reduction plans, particularly for the “Orlando Fernández Badell” school, an integral part of the education system in the Santiago de Cuba province. It holds a pivotal status as an important building, as per the criteria of the current Cuban standard for earthquake-resistant design, contributing directly to the protection of the built environment and the establishment of safe schools in the region most vulnerable to seismic activity in Cuba.