Structural engineering in Puerto Colombia

What does the NSR-10 require to build in Puerto Colombia?

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 Puerto Colombia 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 does the sea demand of concrete in Puerto Colombia?

By the sea, what wears a structure down most is not earthquakes but corrosion: 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 corrosive environments the code also asks for larger covers or other protection (C.7.7.6).

What should be checked on site?

That the mix meets the specified water-cement ratio, not just the strength; that the spacers guarantee the cover shown on the drawings; and that curing is complete. These are points technical supervision checks before every pour.

When does Law 1796 require review and technical supervision in Puerto Colombia?

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.