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Ingeniería e Investigación

versão impressa ISSN 0120-5609

Ing. Investig. vol.41 no.3 Bogotá set./dez. 2021  Epub 24-Ago-2021

https://doi.org/10.15446/ing.investig.v41n3.90430 

Original articles

Characterization of High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings Located in Antofagasta, Chile, by Means of Structural Indexes

Caracterización de edificios altos de hormigón armado ubicados en la ciudad de Antofagasta, Chile, a través de índices estructurales

Juan Andrés Music Tomicic1 
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9960-491X

Felipe Ignacio Soto Ramírez2 
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6602-1838

1 Structural Civil Engineer, Universidad de Chile, Chile, Affiliation: Full Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad Católica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile. E-mail: jmusic@ucn.cl

2 Civil Engineer, Universidad Católica del Norte, Chile, Affliation: Proyect Engineer, Dimecpro Ingeniería SPA, Chlie E-mail: felipeisotor@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

This study aims to characterize a series of high-rise 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.

Keywords: structural indexes; seismic performance; NCh433Of.1996Mod.2009; DS 61 MINVU

RESUMEN

El presente estudio busca caracterizar un conjunto de edificios altos estructurados en base a muros de hormigón armado, ubicados en la ciudad de Antofagasta-Chile, 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.

Palabras clave: índices estructurales; desempeño sísmico; NCh433Of.1996Mod.2009; DS 61 MINVU

Introduction

Chile, located in South America, between the Pacific Ocean and Andes mountain range, has historically suffered the effects of the subductive movement of the Nazca Plate while interacting with the South American Plate, thus generating not only large earthquakes, but also destructive tsunamis.

The greatest earthquake ever recorded in Chile and the world occurred in Valdivia in 1960, with a moment magnitude (Mw) of 9,5. The latest major earthquake in Chile occurred in 2010 with a Mw = 8,8, which affected the south and central regions, which amounts to more than 40% of the population, including important cities such as Santiago, Viña del Mar, and Concepción. A total of four buildings (between 4 and 18 stories) collapsed, and 40 buildings were severely damaged. Due to this, several changes to the Chilean seismic code were proposed (Lagos et al., 2012). The return period of major earthquakes in the territory has made the Chilean practice to assume that at least one big event will occur during the structure's lifetime.

In the northern region of the country, a large earthquake occurred in Antofagasta in July 30th, 1995, with a Mw = 8,0.

The real estate boom that started in 1995 and the high cost of the land in the city generated a significant growth in the construction of high-rise buildings. Nowadays, there are more than 150 buildings of 10 stories or more in Antofagasta.

In this study, eight reinforced concrete buildings were analyzed. Eleven structural indexes related to stiffness, structural redundancy, and ductility were determined. The purpose was to obtain a seismic qualification of the buildings in order to get information on the expected structural performance against major earthquakes.

Structural indexes

After each earthquake that produces damage to the infrastructure of the country, the performance of its structures is analyzed with the purpose of taking actions for future events.

In Chile, experience in building performance under seismic events is vast. This performance has been correlated with structural indexes, establishing ranges of values that assure a good seismic behavior (Guendelman, T., Guendelman, M., and Lindenberg, 1997; Henoch, Lindenberg, Guendelman, T., and Guendelman, M., 2010; Lagos etal., 2012; Guendelman, T., Medina, Guendelman, M., and Figueroa, 2017).

For this research, eleven structural indexes were selected. This sought to measure different parameters that affect the performance of a reinforced concrete building and allow performing seismic qualification.

These structural indexes can be classified into two groups: stiffness indexes and structural redundancy and ductility demand indexes.

Stiffness indexes

Building total height/period of first uncracked translational mode of vibration

This index is related to the lateral stiffness of the building (Guendelman et al., 1997).

To obtain this value, a modal spectral analysis is carried out to determine the different modes of vibration of the buildings.

This index is determined as follows:

where H is the total height of the building, and T* is the uncracked period of vibration with the largest mass participation in the direction of analysis.

Height of the building above the ground level/period of first uncracked translational mode ofvibration

This index is also related to the lateral stiffness of the building (Guendelman et al., 1997).

The use of the height-above-the-ground level instead of the total height of the building is due to the fact that it better represents the vibrational properties of the building.

This index is determined as follows:

where H 0 is the total height of the building above the ground level, and T* is the uncracked period of vibration with the largest mass participation in the direction of analysis.

Height of the building above ground level/period of first cracked translational mode of vibration

This index is related to the residual lateral stiffness of the building after a large earthquake (Lagos et al., 2012).

This index is determined as follows:

where H 0 is the total height of the building above the ground level, and T*ag is the cracked period of vibration with the largest mass participation in the direction of analysis.

According to the current Chilean seismic codes, the cracked period with the largest mass participation can be determined as 1,5 times the uncracked period of the mode with the largest mass participation.

Performance index

This index is related to the lateral stiffness of the building (Lagos et al., 2012).

where δ u is the lateral displacement at the top of the building, defined in DS 61 MINVU (2011), and H0 is the total height of the building above the ground level.

The lateral displacement at the top of the building is determined as follows:

where S de is the elastic displacement response spectrum from DS 61 MINVU (2011).

Maximum inter-story drift measured in the center of mass

This index is related to the lateral stiffness of the building (Guendelman et al., 1997).

where δk+i is the lateral displacement in the center of mass of the story k + 1, δk is the lateral displacement in the center of mass of the story k, and h(k+ 1 +k) is the height between story k + 1 and story k.

The Chilean seismic code limits this index to 2,0%o.

Maximum inter-story drift measured in points located on the most unfavorable position

This index is related to the torsional rigidity of the building (Guendelman et al., 1997).

where δ(k+1)P is the lateral displacement of point P of story k + 1, δ (k)p is the lateral displacement of point P of story k, δ (k+i)CM is the lateral displacement of center of mass of story k + 1, δ (k)CM is the lateral displacement of center of mass of story k, and h(k+1+k) is the height between stories k + 1 and k.

Structural redundancy and ductility demand indexes

Total area of walls on the first floor/total area of first floor

This index aims to monitor shear stress in the walls produced by seismic loads (Lagos et al., 2012).

where Aw is the area of walls on the first floor in each direction of analysis, and Af is the total area of the first floor.

Total area of walls on the first floor / Total seismic weight above first floor

This index aims to monitor the level of compression load on the walls (Lagos et al., 2012).

where Aw is the area of walls on the first floor in each direction of analysis, and Pf is the total seismic weight above the first floor, defined by article 5.5.1 of NCh433. The Chilean standard limits the compression load on the wall to 0,35 f’C Ag.

Total area of walls on the first floor/cumulative plan area of the stories above first floor

This index, similar to the previous one, aims to monitor the compression load on walls (Lagos et al., 2012).

where A w is the area of walls on first floor in each direction of analysis, and Acumuted is the cumulative plan area of the stories above first floor.

Effective spectral reduction factor

This index is related to the ductility demand of the building (Lagos et al., 2012).

where Qe is the elastic seismic base shear determined using the elastic response spectrum, and Qd is the design's seismic base shear, determined by using the design spectrum as indicated in DS 61 MINVU (2011).

Modified ductility displacement index

To understand this index, it is necessary to define how ductility is calculated. By definition, ductility is the ultimate displacement divided by the yield displacement, as indicated below:

The yield displacement is often unknown, since it is necessary to perform a static nonlinear analysis to determine it.

Therefore, a modified index for the displacement ductility ratio is calculated considering the yield displacement as 1,4 times the design's lateral displacement (Lagos et al., 2012).

According to the above, the index is determined as follows:

where δu is the design's lateral displacement on the top of the building as defined in DS 61 MINVU (2011), and δd is the design's lateral displacement on the top of the building, determined with the elastic design response spectrum reduced by factor R**, i.e., Sae/R**.

Ranges of selected structural indexes

The range adopted for each index is shown in Table 1 (Lagos et al., 2012; Guendelman et al., 2017).

Table 1 Range of structural indexes 

Source: Lagos et al. (2012); Guendelman et al. (2017).

Selected buildings and seismic analysis

Selected buildings

In this study, eight reinforced concrete buildings were analyzed with the selected indexes. Photos and typical plan views of the buildings are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Source: Authors

Figure 1 Photos of the buildings, fundamental period, and design lateral displacement at the roof in each direction.  

Source: Authors

Figure 2 Typical plan view of buildings.  

Modelling

The analyzed buildings are high-rise reinforced concrete buildings. Their structural system consists of reinforced concrete shear walls in both directions and reinforced concrete slabs in all levels.

Buildings were modelled using the ETABS software. Shear walls were modelled as shell elements; beams and columns as frame elements without rigid offsets; and slabs as shell elements. All members were rigidly connected, as their ends and walls were fixed at the base. The properties of the elements are based on their gross dimensions. On each level, a rigid diaphragm was considered with 3 degrees of freedom per joint (two translations and one rotation).

The model of each building includes the underground levels, but not soil-structure interaction was considered.

Seismic analysis

A linear elastic modal spectral analysis was carried out in ETABS according to the provisions of the Chilean seismic codes (NCh433Of96.Mod.2009 and DS61 MINVU 2011). The seismic mass considered included all dead loads plus 25% of live loads.

Table 2 shows the uncracked periods of vibration and the corresponding associated mass participation in each direction of analysis.

Table 2 Seismic analysis of the buildings 

Source: Authors

Results

Tables 3 and 4 show the results of the structural indexes for each selected building, classified according to the ranges as normal, acceptable but out of range, and out of range.

Table 3 Results for the structural indexes 

Source: Authors

Table 4 Number of indexes in each range 

Source: Authors

Correlations between structural indexes

In this part of the study, an analysis is carried out to find correlations between structural indexes for the set of buildings. This analysis was performed only for those buildings funded on bedrock, so the Perez Zujovic building was not considered.

In order to consider correlations between indexes as valid, the correlation coefficient should be equal to or greater than 0,8 for a positive slope and -0,8 in the case of negative slope.

Table 5 shows the analyzed variables, the correlation coefficients, and the equations found.

Table 5 Correlations between structural indexes 

Source: Authors

Conclusions

In this study, a total of eleven structural indexes were determined for eight reinforced concrete buildings located in Antofagasta, Chile, to determine their seismic qualification. The conclusions of this study are:

All analyzed building complied with the restrictions of the lateral seismic displacement stated in the actual Chilean seismic code.

Six out of eight buildings have the density of walls in compression index out of range. This implies that the walls of the first floor of these buildings might be subjected to high compression stresses. Since 2011, Chilean regulations limit the compression stress on walls on all floors to 0,35 f Ag. Both Mirador del Sur and Pérez Zujovic are the only buildings with that index in the normal range.

The structural response index (H0/T) has a good relationship with the performance target index, defined as δu/Ho, according to SEAOC VISION 2000 (1995). In buildings with a H0/T* greater than 75 m/s, a value lower than 0,002 for δu/H0 was obtained. Previous studies indicate that, in this case, an elastic overall seismic response is expected for the building supported on bedrock. However, in terms of individual elements, an inelastic behavior may occur.

In four of the buildings, the values of R** are in the range of 4-6. According with the Chilean experience, it is necessary to perform an analysis according to the demand-capacity procedure, where the demand is determined by using the elastic acceleration response spectrum defined in the current Chilean seismic code. To do so, the Capacity Spectral Method (CEM) may be used, which requires a static nonlinear analysis (pushover).

From the correlation study between structural indexes for all buildings on ground type A (bedrock with Vs30 ≥ 900 m/s2), the best result is for the correlation between dmax and H 0 /T*.

References

Calderón, J. (2007). Actualización de tipologías estructurales usadas en edificios de hormigón armado en Chile [Undergraduate Thesis, Universidad de Chile]. http://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/104697Links ]

Cornejo, F. and Music, J. (2011). Comparación de resultados del perfil bio-sísmico aplicando las disposiciones de NCh 433Of.96Mod.2009, Decreto 117 y Decreto 61 a edificios de Antofagasta. Revista de Ingeniería Innova, 2, 83-98. [ Links ]

DS No. 61 MINVU. (2011). Reglamento que fija el diseño sísmico de edificios y deroga Decreto No. 11, de 2010 (in Spanish), Ministerio de Vivienda y Urbanismo. Diario oficial 13 de diciembre del 2011. https://www.bcn.cl/leychile/navegar?idNorma=1034101Links ]

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Soto, F. (2020). Características y determinación de índices estructurales en edificios altos de hormigón armado ubicados en la ciudad de Antofagasta [Undergraduate Thesis, Universidad Católica del Norte]. [ Links ]

How to cite: Music, J. and Soto, F. (2021). Characterization of High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings Located in Antofagasta, Chile, by Means of Structural Indexes. Ingeniería e Investigación, 47(3), e90430. 10.15446/ing.investig.v41n3.90430

Received: September 10, 2020; Accepted: April 05, 2021

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