11 General Information

1.1 Country: Argentina

1.2 Form ID Number: 1

1.3 Housing Type: Block masonry house

1.4 Summary: This construction type is used as a residential building. It is typically a one-or-two-story building, of detached or semi-detached construction, generally found in the urban areas ofSan Juan and Mendoza and less frequently in the rural areas. The walls are made of concreteblock masonry with reinforced concrete columns and beams that tie the walls together andprovide the strength for the building structure. One of the main structural deficiencies for thisconstruction type lies in the widely different wall densities in the two orthogonal directions. Thisdeficiency may be eliminated with appropriate architectural design. This construction type isexpected to show good seismic performance.

1.5 Typical Age for Buildings of This Construction Type

What is a typicalbuilding age for thisconstruction type?

Select all thatapply (X)

200 years

1.6 Period of PracticeA construction practice that has been followed for the last 30 years.

1.7 Region(s) Where UsedSan Juan Capital City and the surroundings.

1.8 Urban vs. Rural Construction

Where is this construction typecommonly found?

Select one(X)

In urban areas XIn rural areasBoth in rural and urban areas

Additional comments: NA

21.9 General Weather Patterns:

1.9.1 Maximum and minimum average temperature(deg. C.)Maximum average temperature: 43CMinimum average temperature: 8C

1.9.2 Maximum average rainfall (precipitation) per year100 mm

1.9.3 Average humidity(%)Average humidity (in winter) 51%Average humidity (in summer) 25%

2 Architectural Features

2.1 OpeningsThe typical house has approximately seven openings, with an average area of 2.50 m2. The position ofthe openings differs from building to building, however generally there is a front door and a back orside door. There are windows in the family room, in every bedroom and the bathroom. The openingarea is about 13% of the overall wall area.

2.2 SitingThis type of construction is generally found on flat terrain.

2.3 Building ConfigurationThe typical shape of a building plan for this housing type is rectangular.

2.4 Building Function

What is the main function for buildings of thisconstruction type?

Select one (X)

Single family house XMultiple housing unitsMixed use (commercial ground floor, residentialabove)Other (explain below)

33 Socio-Economic Issues

3.1 Density of Population in the Region (per sq.km.):The density of population in San Juan Capital city is 4000 inhabitants/km2 , in the surrounding regionit is about 400 inhabitants/km2, and about 0.3 inhabitants/km2 in the areas farther away from the city.The average density of population in the province is 6 inhabitants/km2 .

3.2 Density of Housing (per sq.km.):These houses are typically located close together in neighborhoods and the density of housing isapprox. 20 units/ km2

3.3 Patterns of Occupancy:A single family per housing unit.

3.4 Number of Housing Units in a Building (estimate)1 (one)

3.5 Average Number of Inhabitants in a Building(estimate):

During the day(i.e. duringbusiness hours)

In theevening/night

How manyinhabitants residein a typicalbuilding of thisconstruction type?

Select all thatapply (X)

Select all thatapply (X)

< 5 X X5 to 1010-20> 20Other (providenumbers)

3.6 Number of Bathrooms or Latrines per Housing Unit (if shared by more than one unit, numberper Buildingplease indicate which):

1 (one) bathroom per housing unit.

43.7 Economic Level of Inhabitants (see below)

Economic Status(see Note 1)

Select all thatapply (X)

House Price/Annual Income

Very poorPoorMiddle Class X US$ 18,000/ US$ 20,000Rich

Notes:1. Below are the general guidelines related to the economic status of the inhabitants:

Very Poor= lowest 10% of the population (per GDP)Poor= lowest 30% of the populationMiddle Class= from the lowest 30% up to the top 20% of the populationRich= top 20% of the population

3.8 Typical Sources of Financing

What is a typical source of financingfor buildings of this type?

Select all thatapply (X)

Owner financedPersonal savingsInformal network: friends and relativesSmall lending institutions/microfinanceinstitutionsCommercial banks/mortgages XInvestment poolsCombination (explain)Government-owned housingOther (explain below)

3.9 Ownership

Type of Ownership Select all that apply (X)RentOwn outrightOwn with debt (mortgage or other) XUnits owned individually(condominium)Owned by group or poolLong-term leaseOther

54 Structural Features

4.1 Lateral Load-Resisting System: Earthquake-resisting structure: concrete block masonry walls with reinforced concrete beams andcolumns.

4.2 Gravity Load-Bearing Structure:The same as earthquake-resisting structure i.e. consisting of concrete block masonry walls withreinforced concrete beams and columns. In some cases, concrete beams and columns are providedwithout the masonry walls, in which case this system behaves as a frame; this depends on thearchitectural design.

64.3 Type of Structural System

Material Type of Load-BearingStructure

# Subtypes Select the mostappropriate type (X)

1 Rubble stone (field stone) in mud/limemortar or without mortar (usually with timberroof)Stone Masonry

Walls2 Massive stone masonry (in lime/cement

mortar)3 Mud walls4 Mud walls with horizontal wood elements5 Adobe block walls

Earthen/Mud/Adobe/RammedEarthen Walls

6 Rammed earth/Pise construction7 Unreinforced brick masonry in mud mortar8 Unreinforced brick masonry in mud mortar

with vertical posts

Clay brick/blockmasonry walls

9 Unreinforced brick masonry in cementmortar with reinforced concrete floor/roofslabs

Clay/concrete 10 Confined brick/block masonry with concreteposts/tie columns and beams

X

11 Unreinforced in lime/cement mortar (variousfloor/roof systems)

Maso

nry

Concrete blockmasonry 12 Reinforced, in cement mortar (various

floor/roof systems)13 Designed for gravity loads only (predating

seismic codes i.e. no seismic features)14 Designed with seismic features (various

ages)15 Frame with unreinforced masonry infill walls16 Flat slab structure17 Precast frame structure

Momentresisting frame

18 Frame with concrete shear walls-dual system19 walls cast in-situ

Str

uct

ura

l co

ncr

ete

Shear wallstructure 20 precast wall panel structure

21 with brick masonry partitions22 with cast in-situ concrete walls

Moment-resisting frame

23 with lightweight partitions

Ste

el

Braced frame 2425 thatch26 post and beam frame27 Walls with bamboo/reed mesh and post

(Wattle and Daub)28 frame with (stone/brick) masonry infill29 frame with plywood/gypsum board sheathing

Wooden

stru

cture

s

Load-bearingtimber frame

30 frame with stud walls

74.4 Type of Foundation

Type Description Select the mostappropriate type (X)

Wall or column embedded in soil, without footingRubble stone, fieldstone isolated footingRubble stone, fieldstone strip footingReinforced concrete isolated footingReinforced concrete strip footing XMat foundation

Shallowfoundation

No foundationReinforced concrete bearing pilesReinforced concrete skin friction pilesSteel bearing pilesWood pilesSteel skin friction pilesCast in place concrete piers

Deep foundation

Caissons

4.5 Type of Floor/Roof System

Material Description of floor/roof system Floor(Select one X)

Roof(Select one X)

VaultedMasonryComposite masonry and concrete joistCast in place solid slabsCast in place waffle slabsCast in place flat slabsPrecast joist systemPrecast planksPrecast beams with concrete topping

Structuralconcrete

Postensioned slabsComposite steel deck with concrete slabSteel

Rammed earth with ballast and concrete or plasterfinishingWood planks or beams with ballast and concrete orplaster finishingThatched roof supported on wood purlinsWood shingle roofWood planks or beams that support clay tiles

Timber

Wood planks or beams that support slate, metal,asbestos-cement or plastic corrugated sheets or tiles

Other Nervure slab made of concrete with hollow clayblocks and fill-in elements

X

Additional comments:The roof is considered to be a rigid diaphragm

84.6 Typical Plan Dimensions (length/width, in meters):10.00m length x 6.5m width

4.7 Typical Number of Stories:1 (one) or 2 (two)

4.8 Typical Story Height: 3.30m

4.9 Typical Span: Span between the adjacent columns is typically between 3.00m. and 3.40m.

4.10 Typical Wall Density: (for each floor) 0.116

FIGURE 2: Perspective Drawing Showing Key Load-Bearing Elements

9FIGURE 3: Plan of a Typical Building

FIGURE 4: Critical Structural Details

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5 Evaluation of Seismic Performance and Seismic Vulnerability

5.1 Structural and Architectural Features: Seismic Resistance

Select one (X)Structural/ArchitecturalFeature

Statement1

True(indicatesgood seismicresistance)

False(indicates poorseismicresistance)

N/A

Lateral load pathThe structure contains a complete load path for seismic forceeffects from any horizontal direction that serves to transferinertial forces from the building to the foundation.

X

BuildingConfiguration

The building is regular with regards to both the plan and theelevation.

X

Roof constructionThe roof diaphragm is considered to be rigid and it is expectedthat the roof structure will maintain its integrity, i.e. shape andform, during an earthquake of intensity expected in this area.

X

Floor constructionThe floor diaphragm(s) are considered to be rigid and it isexpected that the floor structure(s) will maintain its integrityduring an earthquake of intensity expected in this area.

X

Foundationperformance

There is no evidence of excessive foundation movement (e.g.settlement) that would affect the integrity or performance of thestructure in an earthquake.

X

Wall and framestructures-redundancy

The number of lines of walls or frames in each principal directionis greater than or equal to 2.

X

Wall proportions Height-to-thickness ratio of the shear walls at each floor level is: Less than 25 (concrete walls); Less than 30 (reinforced masonry walls); Less than 13 (unreinforced masonry walls);

X

Foundation-wallconnection

Vertical load-bearing elements (columns, walls) are attached tothe foundations; concrete columns and walls are doweled into thefoundation.

X

Wall-roofconnections

Exterior walls are anchored for out-of-plane seismic effects ateach diaphragm level with metal anchors or straps

X

Wall openings The total width of door and window openings in a wall is: For brick masonry construction in cement mortar : less than

of the distance between the adjacent cross walls; For adobe masonry, stone masonry and brick masonry in

mud mortar: less than 1/3 of the distance between theadjacent cross walls;

For precast concrete wall structures: less than 3/4 of thelength of a perimeter wall.

X

Quality ofbuilding materials

Quality of building materials is considered to be adequate per therequirements of national codes and standards (an estimate).

X

Quality ofworkmanship

Quality of workmanship (based on visual inspection of fewtypical buildings) is considered to be good (per local constructionstandards).

X

Maintenance Buildings of this type are generally well maintained and there areno visible signs of deterioration of building elements (concrete,steel, timber)

X X

Other

1 The main reference publication used in developing the statements used in this table is FEMA310 Handbook for theSeismic Evaluation of Buildings-A Prestandard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C., 1998.

Both situations are present in this type

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5.2 Seismic Deficiencies

Structural Element(modify this column asappropriate)

Seismic DeficiencyDescribe in a few words

WallIn general, this type of building has noseismic deficiencies, except when theconstruction is not controlled by anofficial organization.

Frame (columns, beams) Generally without seismic deficiencies

Roof and floors No seismic deficiencies

5.3 Seismic Vulnerability Rating:

High Vulnerability=Very Poor SeismicPerformance

A B

MediumVulnerability

C D E

Low Vulnerability=ExcellentSeismic Performance

F

SeismicVulnerability Class

|- l -|

Notes:

l = Expected seismic vulnerability class|- =Probable vulnerability range lower bound-| =Probable vulnerability range-upper boundOnce you have determined the seismic vulnerability class for this construction type, copy the abovesymbols: l, |-, and -| as appropriate and place them into the table.

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6 Earthquake Damage Patterns

Number of buildings of this type thatcompletely or partially collapsed

Select one (X)

Year EarthquakeEpicenter

Richtermagnitude(M)

MaximumIntensity(Indicatescale e.g.MMI, MSK)

FEW SOME MOST

1977 Caucete 7.4 IX X

FEW= very few buildings (less than 25%)SOME= 25 to 50% of buildingsMOST= over 50% of buildings of this type

Additional comments: In the Capital city of San Juan, located about 100 km from the epicenter, theintensity was between VII and VIII. The buildings of this construction type sustained the earthquakewithout serious damage.

FIGURE 6: A Photograph Illustrating Typical Earthquake Damage

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7 Building Materials and Construction Process

7.1 Description of Building Materials

Structural element(modify thiscolumn asappropriate)

Buildingmaterial(s)

Characteristicstrength, seeNote 1

Mix Proportion/Dimensions, see Note 2

Comments

Hollowconcrete block

50 kg/cm2

2kg/ cm21:1:5 (cement-lime-sand)0.20m x 0.40m

Wall/foundations

concrete 210 kg/ cm2 1:3:5 (cementsand- pebble)0.60m x 0.25m

Frame Reinforcedconcrete

210 kg/ cm2

4200 kg/ cm21:2:4 (cement-sand-pebble)Column: 0.20m x 0.20mBeam: 0.20m x 0.15m

Roof and floors ReinforcedconcreteHollow clayblock

210 kg/ cm2

4200 kg/ cm21:2:4 (cement-sand-pebble)

Notes:Tension/compression/shear strength (e.g. concrete compression strength, steel yield strength, masonrycompressive/shear strength)2. Explain mix of different materials used in the construction

7.2 Does the builder typically live in this construction type, or is it more typically built bydevelopers or for speculation?

The builder usually does not live in this construction type. It is designed and built by professionals andused in housing plans developed and financed by the state.

7.3 Construction Process

The construction process is usually carried out by a construction company. It begins with the filling inof foundations, the assembling of the bottom reinforced concrete beams and columns and the castingof these beams. Then the block masonry walls are being built and the concrete columns are being cast.Subsequently, the top reinforced concrete beams are assembled and the slab concrete is poured. Thetools and equipment typically used are. spatulas, shovels, hoes, baskets, saws, pliers, levels, cementmixers, etc.

7.4 Design/Construction ExpertiseThe professionals involved in the design and construction process architects and engineers- have agood level of expertise and great experience in this type of construction, typical in San Juan.

7.5 Is this Construction Type Addressed by Codes/Standards?Yes, the 1951 Building Code of the Province of San Juan, Earthquake-proof Norms Concar 70,Argentinean Earthquake-proof Norms 80 and 1990 INPRES CIRSOC Norms.

14

7.6 Role of Engineers and Architects:

Architects are in charge of the architectural design of the building and sometimes, the constructionprocess. Engineers are in charge of the structural design and of the construction process in general.

7.7 Building Permits and Development Control Rules

Select one (X)

Yes NoAre building permits required? XIs this typically informal construction? (without permits, plans,inspection-explain)

X

Is this construction typically authorized as per developmentcontrol rules?

X

7.8 Phasing of Construction

Select one (X)

Yes No

Is it likely that construction of this type takes place over time?(incrementally)

X

Are the buildings originally designed for its final constructedsize?

X

Additional comments: This type of construction is generally designed for its final constructed size, butusually the final size is fulfilled in a later stage, as an extension of the original construction. Sometimesthe owner also builds additional parts, generally without any professional input.

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7.9 Building Maintenance

Who typically maintainsbuildings of this type?

Select all that apply(X)

BuilderOwner (s) XRenter (s)No oneOther (explain)

Additional comments: Usually, it is the owner who maintains the building, but little or no maintenanceis done.

7.10 Process for Building Code EnforcementThe provincial authorities approve the design and control the construction process.

7.11 Typical Problems Associated with this Type of ConstructionThe only problems associated with this type of construction are the considerable dispersion in thequality of concrete blocks used and the common lack of maintenance in this type of construction.

8 Construction Economics

8.1 Explain unit construction cost:

Unit construction cost per m2 of built-up area is approx. US$ 250. This price includes the entire needs ofthe construction.

8.2 Explain labor requirements :

To start the process of construction it is necessary to have the approval of the general and structureplans, the electrical wiring plans, plumbing, and gas plans. This approval is provided by the ProvincialAuthorities. A construction license provided by the Municipal Authorities is also required. This typeof building will need approx. 4 months to complete the construction.

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9 Insurance

9.1 Insurance Issues

Select one(X)Yes No

Is earthquake insurance for this construction type typicallyavailable?

X

Are premium discounts or higher coverages available forseismically strengthened buildings or new buildings built toincorporate seismically resistant features?

X

9.2 If earthquake insurance is available, what does this insurance typically cover/cost?

NA

10 Seismic Strengthening Technologies

Increase in the constructioncost, see Note 1Select one (X)

Likelihood of enhancingseismic stability, seeNote 2 Select one (X)

Type ofintervention

StructuralElement

Descriptionof seismicstrengtheningprovision High

(>5%)Medium(2-5%)

Low(

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FIGURE 7: Illustration of Seismic Strengthening Techniques

11 ReferencesList documents/publications referred to in filling out this form

The 1951 Building Code of the Province of San Juan Earthquake-proof Norms Concar 70 International Projects Between Architectural Design and Structural Design in High Seismic Risk

Areas (building level San Juan, 1989 San Juan Argentina)

12 ContributorsParticipant #1 Participant#2 Participant#3

Name Virginia I Rodriguez Mara I Yacante Sergio ReilobaTitle/Position Architect Architect ArchitectAffiliation Professor Researcher Professor Researcher Professor - ResearcherAddress B UDAP III M.E

Mblock 1 Piso 1Av. Libertador 1068 (s) Napolen Borini 4955 (o)

Zip Code 5425 5400 5400Country San Juan Argentina San Juan - Argentina San Juan ArgentinaPhone 54-264- 4342556 54-264-4218409 54-264-4331776

Fax 54-264- 4342556

Email deskjet@impsat1.com.ar cereiloba@mixmail.com