
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.
DDES services in Malambo

Structural design
Concrete, steel and masonry buildings designed to the NSR-10, from the first concept to the reinforcement details.

Construction oversight
We represent the owner: quality, schedule and budget on public and private projects.

Independent design review
Review of structural designs by others, required on projects of more than 2,000 m².
Warehouses and plants designed by DDES

Bodegas Centurión
Construction oversight of warehouses C10 and C11 through close-out, review of their designs, and design of warehouses C9 and C5.

Industrias Cannon
Structural design and construction oversight of an industrial plant, from the building permit to the structure.
Technical notes for Malambo

Geotechnical study: how many borings, and how deep, the NSR-10 requires
The building's category sets the minimum number of borings and their depth. Title H sets it out.

Are there earthquakes in Barranquilla? What the NSR-10 requires on the coast
The seismic hazard is low, but the design must also deal with the soil, the wind and the salt air.

Nonstructural elements: walls, facades and building systems in the NSR-10
What does not hold the building up must also be designed for earthquakes. And on the coast there is an exemption.
Common situations
- Adding a second floorBefore adding a floor you need to know whether the house can carry it.
- Home structural retrofitSo an older structure resists what today's code requires.
- Crack assessmentNot every crack is serious, but every crack that grows needs to be studied.
- Warehouse designFrames, roof, floor slab and foundation, designed together.
- Retaining wallsFor basements, level changes and sloping lots.
- Tanks and poolsStructures that must not only stand but also not leak.
- Steel mezzanineMore usable floor area inside the same warehouse or store.
- Building permitWhich structural documents the curaduría asks for and who signs them.
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.
Other cities
- BarranquillaLow hazard
- SoledadLow hazard
- Puerto ColombiaLow hazard
- GalapaLow hazard
- CartagenaLow hazard
- Santa MartaIntermediate hazard
- MonteríaIntermediate hazard
- SincelejoIntermediate hazard
- ValleduparLow hazard
- RiohachaIntermediate hazard
- YopalHigh hazard
- AguazulHigh hazard
- VillanuevaIntermediate hazard
- TauramenaIntermediate hazard
- MonterreyHigh hazard
- Paz de AriporoIntermediate hazard
- BogotáIntermediate hazard
- MedellínIntermediate hazard
- CaliHigh hazard
- BucaramangaHigh hazard
- CúcutaHigh hazard
- VillavicencioHigh hazard
- IbaguéIntermediate hazard
- PereiraHigh hazard
- ManizalesHigh hazard
- NeivaHigh hazard
- PastoHigh hazard
- ArmeniaHigh hazard
- TunjaIntermediate hazard
- PopayánHigh hazard
Last updated:

Contact
Do you have a project in Malambo?
Tell us what stage you are at. A DDES engineer replies with a proposal for scope and fees.
Our team works in Spanish. You can write to us in English and we will get back to you.
Photo: Julia Taubitz / Unsplash