Evaluation of potential seismic damage in the Great So-viet Panel precast system

Abstract

Introduction: Recent research has shown the probability of unfavorable changes in the seismic behavior of some buildings built in Santiago de Cuba, with the prefabricated Great Panel Soviet system. Due to pathological damage to structural elements and joints, followed by weight and stiffness transformations. Therefore, it is convenient to carry out an evaluation of the potential seismic damages, quickly, in the largest number of buildings, without having to carry out structural modeling. However, the different methodologies for evaluating seismic vulnerability, which have been consulted, do not integrate a detailed and precise evaluation of pathological damages as a starting point for the evaluation of potential seismic damages. Objective: It is specified to elaborate a procedure that allows evaluating the potential seismic damages in the prefabricated Soviet Great Panel system based on a set of variables, indicators and sub-indicators. Methodology: The validation of the procedure is carried out through the Delphi method. Results: This procedure has as a starting point in a first stage, the evaluation of the pathological damages, according to their incidence in the structural behavior; that is articulated in a second stage, with other aspects that cause seismic vulnerability. Conclusions: The designed procedure is an instrument for decision support regarding the earthquake-resistant rehabilitation of the Soviet Grand Panel system. It can be applied quickly, in a primary analysis, in all existing buildings in the city of Santiago de Cuba.