
Structural engineering in Montería
Structural design, technical supervision and construction oversight on the banks of the Sinú.
Photo: Ray Donnelly / Unsplash
DDES provides structural design, independent design review, technical supervision and construction oversight (interventoría) for projects in Montería, Córdoba, under the NSR-10 (Colombia's seismic-resistant building code) and Law 1796 of 2016. Montería is in the intermediate seismic hazard zone, with Aa = 0.10 and Av = 0.20. Córdoba is one of the departments where DDES has worked, and Universidad de Córdoba is among its clients.
- Seismic hazard
- Intermediate
- Aa / Av
- 0.10 / 0.20
- Ae / Ad
- 0.07 / 0.04
- Department
- Córdoba
What does the NSR-10 require to build in Montería?
In reinforced concrete, the intermediate hazard zone no longer allows minimum dissipation (DMI): the structure is designed with moderate (DMO) or special (DES) energy dissipation capacity, with more reinforcement detailing requirements.
If the geotechnical study gives a type D profile, the Montería design spectrum for a residential or office building (occupancy group I) has a plateau of Sa = 0.40 g up to TC = 1.20 s, and TL = 4.80 s. With another soil or another use the values change: work them out with the design spectrum.
Which Av value should be used in Montería?
The NSR-10 gives two values. Table A.2.3-2, of capitals, gives Av = 0.15; Appendix A-4, of municipalities, gives Av = 0.20. With either one the zone is intermediate. The conservative option is to design with the larger one, and it is worth agreeing on it from the start with the independent reviewer and the curaduría.
What should you watch for in the soil?
Montería lies on the banks of the Sinú River. On lots near the river, the geotechnical study must look for soft clays and loose saturated sands, which push the profile to type E or F (A.2.4), and establish the water table to design the foundation.
When does Law 1796 require review and technical supervision in Montería?
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 Montería

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

Technical supervision
Independent technical supervision under Law 1796 and Title I of the NSR-10, before every concrete pour.

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

Seismic hazard on the Caribbean coast: city by city under the NSR-10
Barranquilla and Cartagena are in the low hazard zone; Santa Marta, Montería, Sincelejo and Riohacha, in the intermediate zone.

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.

Occupancy groups: why a school or a clinic is designed stronger
The NSR-10 sorts buildings into four groups and raises the design forces by up to 50%.
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 Montería in?
In the intermediate seismic hazard zone, with Aa = 0.10 and Av = 0.20 according to Appendix A-4 of the NSR-10; table A.2.3-2, of capitals, gives Av = 0.15.
Does DDES work in Montería?
Yes. DDES works from its office in Barranquilla across Colombia and has done projects in Córdoba. 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
- MalamboLow hazard
- GalapaLow hazard
- CartagenaLow hazard
- Santa MartaIntermediate 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 Montería?
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