Influencia de los asentamientos diferenciales en el armado de refuerzo de losas de cimentación analizado con el método modal espectral y modelos acoplados de interacción suelo-estructura

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of differential settlements induced by static and seismic loads on the reinforcement steel demand in foundation slabs, considering soil–structure interaction through coupled and uncoupled modeling approaches. The seismic simulation was carried out using the modal response spectrum method defined by the Ecuadorian Building Code (NEC-2015), incorporating the geomechanical properties of the soil. Three scenarios were evaluated: an uncoupled Winkler model, a coupled Winkler model, and a three-dimensional coupled model using finite elements. The analysis was applied to buildings with 5, 12, and 25 stories, founded on soil types C, D, and E, respectively. The three-dimensional modeling was performed using MIDAS GTS NX, while the simplified models were implemented in Robot Structural Analysis. The results indicate that the uncoupled and coupled Winkler models are more conservative, whereas the three-dimensional model provides a more accurate representation, enabling a more efficient design.