Seismic analysis with viscous dampers for the protection of schools in seismic zone

In the present study, we analyze low-rise structures with and without the use of viscous dampers to use this system as a measure of seismic protection in existing educational buildings, generally composed of several pavilions of two or three levels. These educational premises have been built in the coastal area of South America with seismic-resistant standards whose validity is outdated, so they are vulnerable to serious damage, such as masonry wall failures and short columns. The situation is further aggravated by considering the continuous earthquakes in the region caused by contact between the Nazca and South American plates. This research is formulated under the guidelines of the FEMA 273-274 and the SEAOC through the Vision 2000 Committee. The research is validated by computer models of educational buildings, in which the location will be proposed and the properties of viscous dampers to reinforce school premises, thus improving their seismic performance. The results are favorable, with a reduction in drifts and seismic forces, greater than 56%.