Diseño sismorresistente de una torre de control de tráfico aéreo de primer orden

Abstract

The present study arises from the need to provide a methodology applicable to special structures in the city of Machala, a region prone to seismic activity. This is achieved through the seismic-resistant design of a first-order air traffic control tower with a height of 42 meters and a hexagonal floor configuration. The design ensures compliance with minimum safety requirements, guarantees life safety under severe seismic events, and prevents collapse during very rare earthquakes. The proposed methodology includes the analysis of different seismic-resistant design approaches, modeling based on regulations such as the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC), the Ecuadorian Construction Code (NEC – 2015), the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC – 360), and the Hazus manual from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as performance evaluation through linear and nonlinear seismic analyses. The results obtained indicate that the structural design of the air traffic control tower exhibits its maximum drift on the twelfth floor, corresponding to the control cab. The structure ensures life safety under a rare earthquake with a return period of 475 years, while for a very rare earthquake with a return period of 2,500 years, the structure guarantees collapse prevention, thereby complying with the seismic-resistant design philosophy.