SEISMIC VULNERABILITY OF EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS PRE- AND POST-NEC IN CUENCA, ECUADOR

Abstract

Ecuador is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the principal source of most of the world's strongest earthquakes and, in particular, of some of the most destructive seismic events recorded in Ecuadorian territory. This study examines the performance and seismic vulnerability of two educational buildings designed before the publication of the Ecuadorian Construction Code (NEC) and one constructed afterwards, to determine whether structures conceived prior to this regulation are more vulnerable than those designed later. The ETABS software was used for structural modelling and obtaining the capacity curve, and a performance analysis was conducted using the equivalent linearization method described in the FEMA 440 document. Subsequently, fragility was assessed based on the HAZUS criterion. The results indicate that structures built prior to the NEC must be evaluated and retrofitted to ensure proper performance and the safety of their occupants. Therefore, pre-NEC buildings should be studied on a larger scale to enhance seismic risk management.