Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Buildings Used for Education at the Salesian University

This project addresses the high seismic vulnerability of buildings in Guayaquil, an area of significant seismic risk. The core problem is that adherence to seismic design codes does not always guarantee structural integrity during moderate to severe earthquakes, particularly due to soil-structure interaction and potential deviations from initial designs. The main objective is to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of educational buildings at the Salesian University, focusing on Building 'A' at the María Auxiliadora Campus. The proposed methodology involves measuring accelerations on each floor and in the surrounding soil using portable digital accelerometers, following an approach based on the Nakamura Method (H/V spectral ratio) to estimate the fundamental vibration period. Acceleration versus time data will be processed using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) in the MathLab platform to obtain amplitude versus frequency functions, allowing for the calculation of the actual natural vibration periods of the building and the soil. Additionally, laboratory tests will be conducted to determine soil properties. The key outcome will be the ratio between the natural vibration periods of the building and the soil; if this ratio exceeds 20%, structural stiffness reinforcement will be recommended to prevent resonance and potential collapse. This study aims to provide crucial information for preventive and corrective maintenance, ensuring occupant safety and infrastructure stability.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine the actual vibration period of Building 'A' at the María Auxiliadora Campus to establish its proximity percentage to the vibration period of the surrounding soil, assess the potential for resonance, and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Modeling of reinforced concrete and steel structures