Diseño, evaluación estructural y durabilidad del edificio de parqueos de 9 niveles: alternativas de intervención

Abstract

This project evaluates the structural condition and durability of the Centro Park parking building, a nine-story structure located in the city of Guayaquil, with the aim of proposing technical intervention alternatives that improve its structural performance and extend its service life. The study is based on the hypothesis that the deterioration observed in the slabs and the inadequate seismic behavior of the structure can be mitigated through appropriate strengthening strategies and comprehensive rehabilitation of the affected elements, thus justifying the proposed intervention. During the development of the project, visual inspections, non-destructive testing, and laboratory analyses were conducted, supported by structural modeling in accordance with the Ecuadorian Construction Code. Materials such as repair mortars, protective coatings, and structural steel were used, along with strengthening techniques that included steel plate reinforcement and the addition of bracing systems. The proposed alternatives were assessed considering structural, constructive, economic, and environmental criteria. The results showed that, in its original condition, the building did not fully comply with the allowable interstory drift limits. After applying the proposed interventions, a significant reduction in lateral displacements was achieved, along with an improvement in slab durability. In conclusion, the proposed solution enhances the seismic behavior and service life of the building, representing a technically feasible option for the rehabilitation of existing structures with similar characteristics. Keywords: structural durability, steel strengthening, seismic drift, structural rehabilitation, existing buildings, service life