Seismic resistance in structural elements of rigid cores versus structural walls in a multi-family building in the city of Huancayo

Abstract

The general objective of this research was to evaluate the technical feasibility of applying a rigid core system by comparing it to a structural wall system in a multi-family building located in the city of Huancayo. The methodology employed was a non-experimental, descriptive-comparative design. Numerical modeling was performed using ETABS software on two structural configurations for the same ten-story building on S2 soil in Seismic Zone 3: Model A (Distributed Stiffness Structural Walls) and Model B (Centralized Stiffness Rigid Core), both designed according to the guidelines of Technical Standards E.030 and E.060. The results of the static and dynamic analyses showed significant differences in mechanical behavior. The rigid core system generated a 14.34% increase in total seismic mass, resulting in a base shear force of 257.14 Tonf, exceeding the demand of the conventional system by 32.25 Tonf. In terms of lateral stiffness, the rigid core exhibited greater flexibility, registering higher interstory drifts (angles of drift) than the wall system. Specifically, in the transverse direction, the core reached an inelastic drift of 0.0070, placing it at the maximum limit permitted by Peruvian regulations. It is concluded that the application of the rigid core is technically feasible, strictly adhering to safety controls, although structurally it is less efficient and more demanding than the wall system. Its use is justified primarily by advantages in architectural functionality and space optimization.