Análisis Técnico Comparativo entre Sistemas Constructivos de Steel Framing y Estructuras Metálicas para Viviendas Regulares

The population growth and technological advancements have prompted the construction industry to seek more efficient methods to increase productivity and reduce waste. Consequently, dry construction, particularly steel framing, has gained significant popularity in the market. This innovative approach not only optimizes material usage but also accelerates construction timelines and enhances process sustainability. The research article focused on the need to assess and compare the seismic performance of two structural systems: steel framing and conventional metal structure, understood as the framed system. This analysis is particularly relevant in the context of Ecuador, a region with high seismic risk. The study aimed to determine which of these systems offers greater efficiency in terms of seismic performance for multi-family housing with a regular floor plan configuration. Additionally, this research aims to provide clear guidelines for selecting the most suitable construction system, thereby improving construction practices and housing safety in earthquake-prone areas. In addition to seismic design parameters, another significant factor in the construction industry was identified: the weight-to-area ratio of the housing structure. A slight difference was observed between the steel framing system and the conventional metal structure, with steel framing being 2.7 % heavier than the conventional metal structure.