Characterization of high-rise reinforced concrete buildings located in Antofagasta, Chile, by means of structural indexes

Abstract

This study aims to characterize a series of highrise reinforced concrete wall buildings located in Antofagasta, Chile, by means of a set of structural indexes commonly used in professional activities in our country and recommended by researchers. To this effect, a total of eight buildings was analyzed, from which, based on their architectural plans and engineering drawings, a series of properties was determined, such as wall and floor area, among others. Additionally, a modal spectral analysis was carried out according to the current Chilean regulations (NCh 433Of.1996Mod.2009 and DS 61) by means of the ETABS software. Next, eleven structural indexes were selected and determined, which are related to stiffness, structural redundancy, and ductility, with the purpose of making a seismic qualification. The obtained values indexes provide information about the expected structural performance of the buildings under a major seismic event. Finally, correlations between the different indexes were established.

El presente estudio busca caracterizar un conjunto de edificios altos estructurados en base a muros de hormigón armado, ubicados en la ciudad de AntofagastaChile, mediante un conjunto de índices estructurales comúnmente usados en la práctica profesional en nuestro país y sugeridos por investigadores. Para esto, se analizaron ocho edificios en total, a los cuales, a partir de los planos de arquitectura y estructurales, se les determinó un conjunto de propiedades tales como el área de muros y pisos, entre otros. Además, se les realizó un análisis modal espectral según la normativa chilena vigente (NCh 433Of.1996Mod.2009 y DS 61) mediante el programa ETABS. A continuación, se seleccionaron y determinaron once índices estructurales relacionados con la rigidez, redundancia estructural y ductilidad, con el fin de realizar una calificación sísmica. Los valores obtenidos aportan información sobre el posible comportamiento estructural que podrían tener los edificios frente a un evento sísmico severo. Finalmente, se establecieron correlaciones entre los diferentes indicadores.