Dr. Núñez-Castellanos, Eduardo

The incremental dynamic analysis is procedure highly used in the evaluation of structural systems and seismic design parameters for the linear design methods traditionally used in current building codes. The use of this methodology has been extended to industrial structures; however, in the case of steel racks subjected to subduction earthquakes such as the one in Chile, the procedure presents limitations in the post MCE scaling stage due to the high seismic demand, which does not allow its use. In this research, the seismic evaluation of steel storage racks is studied using a dynamic decremental analysis (DDA). The numerical research aims at a methodology proposed to evaluate seismic damage in steel storage racks, considering operational continuity, life safety and collapse prevention levels. A total of 4840 nonlinear models were performed to establish the performance levels, supported by the principles of the IDA according to FEMA P695. The MCE is used to scale the seismic records, however, a decremental scaling process is applied to identify the performance gap between the design intensity and the MCE intensity. The results obtained showed that the archetypes with lower load levels and lower height exhibited higher performance levels in the down-aisle direction compared to the transverse direction. In addition, the proposed methodology allows obtaining a performance level considering the seismic forces scaled to the MCE level through a methodology on steel racks, which had not been possible to evaluate using the IDA. Finally, the main problem in the study of steel racks design is to ensure the stability in the cross-aisle direction and stability of the stored goods in that direction.

BIM models are seldom used for the energy certification of buildings. This paper discusses the advantages of linking two important fields: building information modeling (BIM) and building environmental assessment methods (BEAM), presented as a rating system and a proposal for the Chilean context. The state of the art in both fields around the world is discussed, with an in-depth examination of current BIM software and related applications, followed by a discussion about previous research on integrating them. A lack of interoperability and data losses between BIM and BEM were found. A new tool is presented that addresses these challenges to ensure accurate rating system data, and this new framework is based on database exchange and takes crucial information from BIM to BEAM platforms. The development of the method includes BIM programming (API), database links, and spreadsheets for a Chilean building energy certification through a new tool, also applicable to multiclimactic zones. This new semi-automatic tool allows architects to model their design in a BIM platform and use this information as input for the energy certification process. The potential and risks of this method are discussed. Several improvements and enhancements of the energy certification process were found when incorporating this new framework in comparison to current methodologies.

In this research, the cyclic behavior of concrete-filled thin tube (CFTT) columns with bidirectional moment connections was numerically studied within the context of thin-walled structures. Novel considerations in the design of CFTT columns with slenderness sections are proposed through a parametric study. A total of 70 high-fidelity finite element (FE) models are developed using ANSYS software v2022 calibrated from experimental research using similar 3D joint configurations. Furthermore, a comparison of different width-to-thickness ratios in columns was considered. The results showed that the models with a high slenderness ratio reached a stable cyclic behavior until 0.03 rad of drift, and a flexural strength of 0.8 Mp was reached for 4% of the drift ratio according to the Seismic Provisions. However, this effect slightly decreased the strength and the dissipated energy of the moment connection in comparison to columns with a high ductility ratio. Moreover, an evaluation of concrete damages shows concrete cracked for cyclic loads higher than 3% of drift. Finally, the joint configurations studied can achieve a good performance, avoiding brittle failure mechanisms and ensuring the plastic hinges in the beams.

This research raises questions about the possibilities and options of using the BIM methodology associated with software for the wood design and construction of structure modeling along an asset’s cycle life. Likewise, several academic and research initiatives are reviewed. In this sense, this paper aims to establish an appropriate link between two agendas that the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, academia, and governments normally handle separately. By conducting several literature reviews (book, journals, and congresses) and extensive software tests (BIM software: Revit v2023, Archicad v27, Tekla, and wood plug-ins: AGACAD, Archiframe, Timber Framing 2015, WoodStud Frame, etc.), the state-of-the-art was assessed in both fields, and several cases linking BIM and wood are shown in detail and discussed. Various theoretical samples are modelled and shown, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and stage are explained. On the other hand, although wood construction has been most common for hundreds of years, this is not the case of BIM software developments associated with this materiality. Furthermore, since the appearance of materials such as steel and reinforced concrete, all software developments have focused on these materials, leaving aside the possibility of developing applications for use in wood projects. According to that previously discussed, it can be concluded that BIM for wood has been used more frequently in academia, that both fields have several common processes, and, in many cases, that only a few BIM-wood tools have been used, thus disregarding the high potential and high level of benefits that result with the application of these methodologies for the complete building life cycle (design, construction, and operation).