Author(s)

JOSUÉ BRIONES-BITAR, PEDRO P. ROJAS, CINDY MOYA, MARTHA CABALLERO, WILMER MÁRQUEZ, PAÚL CARRIÓN-MERO, FERNANDO MORANTE-CARBALLO

Abstract

Zaruma, an Ecuadorian city with a mining tradition, has natural conditions of steep slopes and environmental and socio-economic impacts related to old and illegal mining operations. Different geodynamic events (e.g. seismic movements, settlements and sinkholes) have caused structural damage to essential buildings such as the ‘San Juan Bosco’ School. This research aims to assess the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete buildings of the ‘San Juan Bosco’ School through the analysis of national and international seismic codes for the proposal of rehabilitation works that guarantee the sustainability of the structure. The study included technical visits to observe the current damage to the structures. The structural characteristics of the buildings were identified using auscultation and concrete coring. The gathered data and an analysis of the site’s seismic hazard allowed for a structural assessment of the buildings carried out using national (NEC) and international (ASCE/SEI) codes. Subsequently, rehabilitation alternatives were proposed for each building according to national and international (FEMA) standards. The structural system, composed of moment-resisting concrete frames, presents potential vulnerabilities owing to impact (collision) and torsion attributed to its overhangs. The structural assessment revealed that all blocks comply with the drift limits stipulated by ASCE 41-13 (below 2%); only block B5.6 exceeds these limits (2.25%). Recommended rehabilitation strategies include mass reduction (removal of upper floors, representing a dead load of 700 kg/m² and a live load of 400 kg/m²) and removal of short columns (decreased window width). These interventions are intended to facilitate education, thus benefiting the Zaruma Mining District community.

Keywords

seismic rehabilitation, building inspection, structural evaluation, reinforced concrete