Damage States and Seismic Performance Levels of a Three-Story Confined Masonry Structure, Lima, Peru

This research addresses the issue of self-construction in the district of Lurigancho-Chosica, using the Asociación Pro Vivienda Paz y Desarrollo San Pedro y San Pablo as a case study. In this area, structural deficiencies are identified due to the use of non-standard materials and the absence of technical design. As a solution, the design of a three-story confined masonry dwelling is proposed, complying with the Peruvian National Building Code (RNE). Field data was collected from 15 representative homes using data collection forms to identify the number of projected floors and typical lot dimensions (240 m²). Based on this, a three-level confined masonry dwelling was designed, applying habitability and structural safety criteria according to standards A.020, E.030, and E.070 of the RNE. The structural design was carried out through a linear static analysis using ETABS software, determining dimensions and reinforcement of main elements. Then, the nonlinear behavior of the structure was evaluated using STERA 3D software, applying a nonlinear time-history dynamic analysis with seismic records scaled to the design spectrum (Standard E.030) using a seismic reduction factor R = 1. From the obtained interstory drifts, structural damage levels were classified according to the criteria of Zavala et al. [1], allowing the estimation of the dwelling's seismic vulnerability. Finally, structural plans were developed. The proposed design complies with current regulations and demonstrates good structural performance under severe earthquakes, representing a safe and technically reliable solution to the deficiencies observed in the self-construction context of the study area.