Análisis del comportamiento y resistencia sísmica fuera del plano en edificaciones de adobe de baja altura

Abstract

Approximately 21 244 buildings in Cuenca Ecuador are constructed with raw earth, most of them being heritage adobe properties located in the colonial core (INEC, 2010). Adobe is an ancient, economical, and sustainable material. However, its mechanical properties make it a significant structural risk for population, especially in a country with high seismic activity. This research project aims to evaluate the static behavior under seismic demand of 31 adobe facades of two stories or more located in the colonial center of the city of Cuenca. To achieve this, a macro model is implemented that considers the individual properties of the adobe blocks (RVE) through homogenization, ensuring accurate representation. The behavior of the facades is analyzed using an out-of-plane dynamic analysis through a modal analysis, and the nonlinear static characteristics are obtained through a pushover analysis. The capacities and demands of the structures and the interaction between them are examined to determine probable damages. Finally, the seismic vulnerability of these 31 facades is assessed using fragility curves. The results validate the proposed methodology regarding the static-dynamic behavior of the structure, providing an adequate representation of the macro properties of the adobe masonry walls. Vulnerability varies significantly depending on the level of damage considered and the spectral acceleration of the seismic event. The fragility curves can be extrapolated to other structures with similar characteristics, offering crucial information for evaluating and improving the seismic resilience of buildings and assisting in decision-making for structural design and reinforcement.