Desarrollo de un sistema estructural de costillas con elementos laminares de madera: vivienda social In. Lab Cuenca

Abstract

The study is focused on a ribbed structural system, its operating logic, and structuring ability. The system is understood as an integral construction element that satisfies at the same time the function of enclosure and structure. This stable and rugged system can be used to propose a low-cost housing prototype.

For a complete understanding of the system to be designed, the study cases analysis focused on the structure (ribs system) and its function. The study takes into account assembly and anchoring constructive circumstances, minimum cross sections, possible employed materials, and at the same time the technical possibilities that this system provides.

After wood’s technical conditions exploration in our enviroment, and based on the understanding of the “Norma Ecuatoriana de la Construcción – Estructuras de Madera (NEC–SE-MD)” criteria, and regulations issued by “Manual de Diseño para Maderas del GrupoAndino PADT REFORT”. The most suitable species of wood is determined for use it in the building structure.

Once the operating logic is understood and the design guidelines were established, a reduced scale prototype is built. This design is submitted to technical and laboratory tests, concluding with the construction of the approved design, to scale: 1: 2.

In this way, the result is the development of a final prototype of a structural system of ribs with wood laminates, which allows for innovation in the construction system used in the construction of buildings in the city, and in a specific way Cuenca´s building system. To allow controlled self-construction, the building system’s design is based on the use of accessible local materials, as well as providing a constructive manual and the technical specifications of the final prototype.