PRIFA – Design and Construction Program for the Repair of Short Columns

Following the natural disasters experienced on the island, in February of 2021, Puerto Rico’s Governor signed Executive Order #OE-2021-015. This established a State of Emergency, thereby allowing the expedited award of contracts to repair damaged short columns found in over six hundred public schools across the island. The Short Column Program is meant to mitigate seismic hazards caused by the structural condition known as short column. These mitigation efforts are aimed at increasing the capacity of the facilities to resist lateral movements that typically result from earthquakes and that endanger life and property. The work will also help reduce the time it takes for schools to return to normal operations after an earthquake. This is a Federally funded program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Lemartec PR Corporation was awarded multiple contracts throughout the island to undertake short column repairs in over 55 schools to more than 4,400 columns. Given the State of Emergency implemented by the Governor, the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as the fact that the schools are open and operating, several key aspects of this project include fast-track project schedules, as well as stringent safety measures. Municipalities wherein these works are taking place are Caguas, Coamo, Villalba, Santa Isabel, Fajardo, Luqillo, Ceiba, Humacao, Naguabo, Yaucoa, Las Piedras, Aguas Buenas, Barranquitas, Comerio, Aibonito, Cayay, Arroyo, Guayama, Salinas, Carolina, San Juan, Cabo Rojo, and Hormigueros.

CLIENT: Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority (PRIFA)
LOCATION: Various locations throughout Puerto Rico
COMPLETION DATE: 2022
BUILDING SF: Various
SERVICES: Design-Build