EVALUACIÓN DE LA VULNERABILIDAD SÍSMICA Y SISTEMAS CONSTRUCTIVOS EN VIVIENDAS DE UNO Y DOS PISOS DE LA ZONA URBANA DEL CANTÓN CAÑAR CON FEMA P – 154.

Abstract

Background: This study focuses on the evaluation of one- and two-story houses regarding their seismic vulnerability in the urban area of Cañar Canton. The research aims to assess the vulnerability of these dwellings to seismic scenarios that pose a threat to the safety of their inhabitants considering that Ecuador is located in one of the regions with the highest seismic activity in the world. The main objective of this study is to evaluate seismic vulnerability and identify the predominant construction systems in houses located in the urban area of Cañar Canton, through the application of the FEMA P-154 form. The goal is to determine the level of vulnerability of the houses to seismic events, differentiate the predominant construction typologies, and propose recommendations for risk mitigation. The methodology included on-site data collection process, gathering construction information from the buildings. Subsequently, a rapid evaluation method was applied, based on a visual inspection and the recording of relevant structural attributes to identify the vulnerability level of each building. The results obtained allowed an appropriate classification of the housing vulnerability to seismic events, identifying which structural systems are more susceptible to damage. This diagnosis facilitates the generation of technical recommendations adapted to the local reality. It is concluded that this type of visual assessment provides a fast and efficient method for assessing houses and planning preventive measures against seismic events. Keywords: seismic vulnerability, construction systems, risk assessment, housing.