Diseño de una edificación para uso residencial de acero estructural sismorresistente mediante la comparación de técnicas constructivas en las juntas viga-columna.

Abstract

This study presents a technical analysis for the design of a 4-story building with a structural system intended for residential use, located in the city of Cuenca, following the Ecuadorian Construction Code (NEC-15). The process began with the structural dimensioning using architectural plans and detailing the variables for the development of the elastic spectrum. It was determined that the fundamental period of the structure is Sa = 0.647g. Subsequently, the loads acting on the structural system were calculated, along with their combinations. A preliminary design was then carried out, selecting IPE 200 profiles for the main beams, tubular profiles with dimensions of 250 x 250 x 6 mm for the columns, and rectangular tubes of 150 x 50 x 4 mm for the secondary beams. Using commercial finite element software (FEM), the required configurations for modeling were defined, and a numerical simulation was performed. The results showed that the demand-to-capacity ratio of several profiles exceeded the maximum allowable value of 1. Therefore, structural members were adjusted to ensure the entire system achieved a demand-to-capacity ratio below 1. An inelastic drift analysis was then performed, revealing that the maximum value occurred along the X-axis on the second floor, with a value of 1.4%, which is within the 2% limit established by NEC-15. Finally, with the design finalized, the beam-column joint under the highest stress was identified. Comparative studies were conducted for bolted and welded connections, determining the most efficient joint that complies with the applicable standards. Additionally, an economic analysis was performed to identify the most cost-effective model for the project conditions.