Structural engineering in Barranquilla

What does the NSR-10 require to build in Barranquilla?

In reinforced concrete, the NSR-10 accepts structures with minimum energy dissipation capacity (DMI) in the low hazard zone, with the simplest detailing, and for occupancy groups I and II it limits the irregularity checks to a few types (A.3.3.6).

If the geotechnical study gives a type D profile, the Barranquilla design spectrum for a residential or office building (occupancy group I) has a plateau of Sa = 0.40 g up to TC = 0.72 s, and TL = 5.76 s. With another soil or another use the values change: work them out with the design spectrum.

What should you watch for in Barranquilla's soil?

The soil changes a lot from one area to another. In the southwest there are expansive clays that swell and shrink with moisture, and near the river there are loose sands and soft soils. That is why the geotechnical study, which defines the spectrum's soil profile (A.2.4) and the type of foundation, weighs as much as the seismic map. We explain it in expansive clays in southwest Barranquilla.

And salt air and wind?

In areas exposed to the sea breeze, concrete exposed to moisture and to chlorides from seawater, salt or sea spray belongs to the NSR-10's exposure class C2, which requires a maximum water-cementitious materials ratio of 0.40, a minimum strength of 35 MPa and no more than 0.15 % water-soluble chlorides in reinforced concrete (tables C.4.2.1 and C.4.3.1). In warehouses and light roofs, wind usually governs the design more than earthquakes (Title B, chapter B.6). See concrete near the sea.

When does Law 1796 require review and technical supervision in Barranquilla?

The rule is the same throughout the country: when the lot allows more than 2,000 m² to be built, whatever the use, Law 1796 of 2016 requires an independent review of the structural designs before the permit and independent technical supervision during construction. Buildings in occupancy groups III and IV, such as schools and hospitals, require technical supervision whatever the area (A.1.3.9.1). Check your case with the Law 1796 assistant.