Evaluación de vulnerabilidad sísmica de edificaciones de estructuras metálicas en la parroquia Quisapincha, Ambato, Ecuador: Propuesta de reforzamiento estructural de una edificación representativa

Abstract

As part of the analysis of seismic vulnerability in metal structure buildings in the city of Ambato, the study was carried out in the Quisapincha district. The Quisapincha district is an area of agricultural production; due to the characteristics of economic development and geographic location, it is considered a rural area. In the study area, 17 metal structure buildings were found, however, the characteristic typologies of the area were reduced to cold-rolled steel frames and steel frames with masonry block walls. The results of the vulnerability of the buildings studied in the parish were of high vulnerability since aspects such as the inadequate application of building codes and irregularities in plan and elevation were evident. The building selected for the detailed vulnerability analysis was the Quisapincha market, which corresponds to an industrial building with cold-rolled steel truss systems; however, since it is a public sector administration building, it was considered to be of greater importance than ordinary portal frame systems. For the detailed evaluation of the building, a linear static and spectral modal analysis was performed to identify deficiencies in seismic performance and to identify strengthening mechanisms to improve the performance of the structure. The strengthening system included the application of a truss at the ridge between the spans in the central zone of the structure, application of San Andres cross bracing and stiffening through the application of brackets. The strengthening system improved the seismic performance of the building.