STRUCTURAL EVALUATION AND BEHAVIOR REPAIRS MADE

TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS.
Authors:
O. De la Torre Rangel
R. López Vázquez
A. Salazar Hernández
J. C. Roldán Cabrera
Publication:
Revista de Ingeniería Sísmica No. 70 1-26
Date:
November 18, 2003
Abstract
Over the last half century, hundreds of properties “cataloged” as Historical Heritage by the
National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), built mostly between the 16th and
19th centuries, have suffered various levels and types of damage. Due to this, it has been
necessary to apply multiple actions for its structural rehabilitation.
The vulnerability of these buildings to seismic actions is due to the fact that their overall
structural system was conceived as “gravity”, in which the external actions they experience
are essentially transmitted as eccentric compression forces to the vertical elements. In
addition, the materials that constitute the structure do not have the capacity to withstand
significant stress and shear stresses. The construction of these monuments was done with
non-confined masonry (without reinforcement) with adobe, mud, brick, natural stones or a
combination of these materials.
This type of construction has accumulated during its "useful life", problems of progressive
instability due to deterioration due to lack of maintenance, the deterioration is caused by the
recurring action of the earthquakes.
The level of damage ranges from the appearance of cracks and cracks in the masonry to
partial collapses of domes, roofs and towers.
In general, buildings must be intervened using in this process various materials such as:
stone masonry, red mud partition, cement-sand partition, joist and vault, structural steel and
reinforced concrete. The intervention works will evolve according to their structural
behavior in the face of future earthquakes.

Proyecto Estructural, S.A., Darwin 18-A, Col. Anzures, México, D.F. 11590