Structural engineering · Quito
Seismic structural design and nonlinear analysis.
Structural design office in Quito, specialized in earthquake engineering, nonlinear analysis and performance-based design. Over 300 projects with Ecuador’s architecture studios, developers and industry since 2011.
Casa GOL · Najas Arquitectos
In-house nonlinear analysis
Nonlinear finite elements, fiber sections and performance models developed by APE Ingeniería on OpenSees. The same tools serve research and teaching.
Performance-based design
Explicit objectives (immediate occupancy, life safety) declared at the outset and verified per ASCE/SEI 41-23. The owner knows the expected state of the structure after the earthquake.
Academic rigor, real projects
A master’s degree, a PhD in progress and teaching at three universities, applied to over 300 projects since 2011.
Method
Four stages. The structure enters the project at the first sketch.
- 01
Concept
The structure is defined with the architect from the schematic phase, while it can still resolve the idea rather than constrain it.
- 02
Model
A model of the real structure is built: geometry, materials and nonlinear behavior.
- 03
Design
Sizing follows capacity design: defined yielding zones, the rest of the structure in the elastic range.
- 04
Verification
The response to the design earthquake is verified with nonlinear analysis and the design is adjusted until the performance objectives are met.
In-house nonlinear analysis
The code sets the minimum. Nonlinear analysis establishes how the structure responds.
The model represents cracking, yielding and energy dissipation of the real structure under the NEC-SE-DS 2015 design earthquake. Design decisions rest on that analysis, in addition to the prescriptive code procedure.
NEC-SE-DS 2015 · ASCE/SEI 7-22 · ACI 318-25 · ASCE/SEI 41-23
Shear wallsSlabsBasementsTechnical capability
Seismic design, nonlinear analysis and evaluation of existing structures.
Seismic design
Reinforced concrete, steel and composite structures in Ecuador, a high seismic-hazard country, per NEC-SE-DS 2015, ASCE/SEI 7-22, ACI 318-25 and AISC 360-22.
Nonlinear analysis & PBSD
Static and dynamic nonlinear models for performance-based design and to quantify the inelastic behavior of the structure.
Evaluation & retrofit
Seismic evaluation of existing structures and retrofit design per ASCE/SEI 41-23 and FEMA P-58, from inspection to strengthening.
Repeat clients
Architecture studios and firms with recurring projects with APE Ingeniería.
- Najas Arquitectos
- Alvear Brown
- Grupo Baluarte
- IZYFCO
- NARQ
- Cueva/Cueva
- Arquetika
- Perpetuo Studio
- HIDROPLAN
- TALIO
Coordination from the schematic phase
A structure defined at the concept phase reduces redesign during design and construction.