Evaluación de la vulnerabilidad sísmica de edificaciones de madera liviana del patrimonio edificado del casco histórico de Riobamba

Abstract

Introduction: The research focuses on evaluating the seismic vulnerability of light wood buildings in the historic center of Riobamba. This task is crucial given the heritage importance of these structures and the need to understand their response to seismic events to implement appropriate protection measures. Objectives: The main goal is to create a comprehensive database to estimate the probability of damage to these buildings against seismic forces. This will serve as a basis for implementing protection and structural reinforcement strategies at the urban level, thus preserving historical structures, and ensuring the safety of inhabitants against future seismic events. This research will also contribute to the development of public policies aimed at managing seismic risk in historical urban areas. Methodology: Using a comprehensive methodological approach, buildings are classified according to their construction system, based on the framework of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and on heritage records from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC). These documents provide crucial information such as year of construction, conservation status, and materials used. Based on this classification, vulnerability levels are assigned considering factors such as year of construction and conservation status. Specific capacity and fragility curves are developed for each building typology, allowing for the estimation of the probability of damage from a seismic event and anticipating damage states, from mild to complete. Results: Structures with W1-PRE typology, despite being constructed in wood, were found to have moderate probability of damage, especially due to their design as lightweight frames and their limitation to one or two stories. This characteristic makes them more susceptible to seismic forces and other types of stresses. Conclusions: Through literature review, the importance of safeguarding heritage buildings was understood due to the cultural and historical significance they carry. It was identified that one way to protect heritage buildings in the historical center of Riobamba is through the application of probabilistic methods to understand the behavior of structures during seismic events and to estimate the probabilities of damage to the studied buildings. General Study Area: Seismic Engineering. Specific Study Area: Seismic Vulnerability. Study Type: Original, Literature Review.