Structural engineering in Santa Marta

What does the NSR-10 require to build in Santa Marta?

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 Santa Marta design spectrum for a residential or office building (occupancy group I) has a plateau of Sa = 0.56 g up to TC = 0.51 s, and TL = 5.76 s. With another soil or another use the values change: work them out with the design spectrum.

Why is Santa Marta designed differently from Barranquilla?

Because it is in the intermediate seismic hazard zone: Aa = 0.15, against 0.10 in Barranquilla. It is the only capital in the Caribbean region where the acceleration coefficient Aa exceeds the velocity coefficient Av, and that raises the plateau of the spectrum, the short-period range where low, stiff buildings fall. By the sea, durability adds to it: 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).

And hillside lots?

The NSR-10 site coefficients Fa and Fv do not include hillside effects. Where there are any, they must be considered with the municipality's regulations or with site-specific studies by the geotechnical engineer (A.2.4.5.7). In a city surrounded by hills, it is worth asking for it from the geotechnical study onward.

When does Law 1796 require review and technical supervision in Santa Marta?

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.