Seismic evaluation of low rise RC framed building designed according to Venezuelan codes

Abstract

Along its history, Venezuela has been severely affected by destructive earthquakes. Approximately 80% of the population lives in seismically active areas, where have occurred destructive earthquakes even in recent times; The seismic hazard, inadequate design and construction of buildings as well as the damage occurred from previous earthquakes, demonstrate a high vulnerability in existing buildings. Then it is essential to continuously make progress and research in the field of earthquake engineering and upgrade the seismic design codes. Seismic upgrade requires the evaluation or predictions of the expected damage to structures at the time of an earthquake of a certain severity occur. From this prediction it can be defined solutions for the reduction of structural vulnerability.