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Structural engineering in Villavicencio

Structural design, review and technical supervision in a high seismic hazard zone.

Photo: Ricardo Gómez Ángel / Unsplash

DDES does structural design, independent design review, independent technical supervision and construction oversight (interventoría) for projects in Villavicencio, Meta, under the NSR-10 and Law 1796 of 2016. Villavicencio is in a high seismic hazard zone, with Aa = 0.25 and Av = 0.30. DDES works from Barranquilla with national coverage.

Seismic hazard
High
Aa / Av
0.25 / 0.30
Ae / Ad
0.20 / 0.07
Department
Meta

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

In reinforced concrete, the NSR-10 only accepts systems with special energy dissipation capacity (DES) in the high hazard zone, the most demanding detailing in the code: confinement of columns and joints, and strict drift control.

If the geotechnical study gives a type D profile, the Villavicencio design spectrum for a residential or office building (occupancy group I) has a plateau of Sa = 0.81 g up to TC = 0.80 s, and TL = 4.32 s. With another soil or another use the values change: work them out with the design spectrum.

Table A.2.3-2 of the NSR-10, of capitals, gives Villavicencio Aa = 0.35 and Av = 0.30; Appendix A-4 gives Aa = 0.25 and Av = 0.30. The code does not say which prevails: the conservative option is to design with the larger of each pair and agree on it from the start with the independent reviewer and the curaduría.

How does it compare with Barranquilla?

The acceleration coefficient of Villavicencio, Aa = 0.25, is two and a half times that of Barranquilla (Aa = 0.10). Barranquilla is in a low hazard zone and Villavicencio in a high one: in reinforced concrete, a Barranquilla design with minimum dissipation (DMI) does not work in Villavicencio, which requires special energy-dissipation capacity (DES) and strict drift control.

Which values does the NSR-10 use for existing and essential buildings?

To assess existing buildings with limited safety, the NSR-10 uses Ae, which is 0.20 in Villavicencio (A.10.3). Essential buildings of use groups III and IV are also checked for the damage threshold with Ad = 0.07 (A.12.2).

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

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 Villavicencio in?

In a high seismic hazard zone, with Aa = 0.25 and Av = 0.30 under Appendix A-4 of the NSR-10; table A.2.3-2, for capitals, gives Av = 0.30.

Does DDES work in Villavicencio?

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

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