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Structural engineering in Malambo

Design of warehouses and buildings, technical supervision and construction oversight in the south of the metropolitan area.

Photo: David Griffiths / Unsplash

DDES provides structural design, independent design review, technical supervision and construction oversight (interventoría) for projects in Malambo, Atlántico, under the NSR-10 (Colombia's seismic-resistant building code) and Law 1796 of 2016. Malambo is in the low seismic hazard zone, with Aa = 0.10 and Av = 0.10. Malambo is part of the Barranquilla metropolitan area, where the DDES office is.

Seismic hazard
Low
Aa / Av
0.10 / 0.10
Ae / Ad
0.06 / 0.03
Department
Atlántico

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

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 Malambo 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 governs the design of a warehouse in Malambo?

In the low seismic hazard zone, steel buildings with light roofs are usually governed by wind rather than earthquakes: the pressure on the roof and the facades sets the purlins, bracing and anchorages (Title B, chapter B.6). The NSR-10 also sets a minimum design wind load for the main system and for the cladding (B.6.1.3).

And the foundation?

A warehouse has few columns with large loads and floor slabs that carry forklifts and racking. The geotechnical study must give the expected settlement and how it varies over time (A.1.3.2): an industrial slab that settles unevenly stops being usable even though the structure is still standing.

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

What seismic hazard zone is Malambo in?

In the low seismic hazard zone, with Aa = 0.10 and Av = 0.10 according to Appendix A-4 of the NSR-10.

Does DDES work in Malambo?

Yes. DDES works from its office in Barranquilla across Colombia and has done projects in Atlántico. For a proposal, send the architectural drawings and the location of the lot through the contact form or on WhatsApp.

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Photo: Julia Taubitz / Unsplash