Análisis estructural de elementos finitos en edificaciones con muros portantes de ductilidad limitada en la ciudad de Machala

Abstract

Given the ongoing seismic events currently occurring in Ecuador's topography, it is necessary to study the seismic structural capacity of buildings with various types of structural systems, either validating or invalidating the provisions set by the regulations for them. This need arises because past seismic events have demonstrated that buildings in the Republic of Ecuador do not satisfactorily meet the required standards. These buildings have seen their integrity compromised by seismic events below the levels for which they were theoretically designed. Therefore, a nonlinear analysis was conducted on an existing building with load-bearing walls. The building was modeled and found to be irregular in plan and elevation, presenting discontinuities in its structural elements. These issues result in the structure being compromised during all seismic events mentioned in the Ecuadorian Construction Code (NEC). It is recommended that, after any of these events, the structure should be reviewed due to its limited ductile capacity, based on the seismic performance levels provided by FEMA 356 for the development of the nonlinear analysis.