The University of El Salvador (UES) is currently engaged in groundbreaking research focused on understanding the ground vibrations in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area (AMSS) to provide valuable insights for construction practices. Spearheaded by Luis Castillo, a professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, this study aims to assess the seismic response in the region, crucial for determining the appropriate sizes for constructing buildings and minimizing risks in the city.
The investigation utilizes one-dimensional and two-dimensional numerical modeling techniques to comprehensively analyze the local seismic response in the AMSS. Castillo, who is pursuing a doctorate in Geological Engineering, envisions that this research will contribute significantly to the scientific knowledge of El Salvador, marking a milestone as the country’s first doctor in this specialized field.
The study seeks to establish a comprehensive mapping of urban environments, analyzing how different zones exhibit ground vibrations. This information will guide recommendations for the types of constructions permissible in specific areas and the optimal number of floors.
Explaining the relevance of ground vibration periods, Castillo highlighted the phenomenon of resonance, drawing parallels to sound feedback. If a building’s natural frequency aligns with the ground vibration period, resonance can occur, leading to structural failures during seismic events. By understanding these vibration periods, Castillo can advise experts on constructing safe and resilient buildings.
What sets this study apart is its implementation of a two-dimensional methodology, unlike most studies that traditionally use one-dimensional approaches. This innovation allows for a more in-depth understanding of the local seismic response along a given transect.
The study area spans five kilometers in the AMSS, encompassing locations such as La Chacra neighborhood, adjacent to the Army Boulevard; San Vicente de Paul Children’s Home, the National Geographic and Cadastre Institute, among others. This selection was based on the region’s seismic history and the demand for residential and commercial constructions.
Luis Castillo’s doctoral pursuit is supported by the UES faculty strengthening program and the CASTES project, funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS), with technical guidance from two European universities.
In the realm of sustainable construction, Juan Francisco Sifontes, President of the Green Building Council El Salvador, emphasized the importance of such studies. Speaking at the Innovation and Sustainability Trends for Construction forum organized by Holcim El Salvador, Sifontes stressed the necessity of seismic regulations, citing recent seismic events that resulted in the collapse of buildings constructed over 25 years ago.
Sifontes emphasized the critical role of seismic regulations, certification of steel structures’ welds, quality of steel coatings, and fire prevention networks in all constructions. He also revealed that, by 2024, 100 buildings in El Salvador are expected to be certified for sustainability, marking a positive stride towards resilient and environmentally conscious construction practices.