In the bustling, self-built neighborhoods of Villa María del Triunfo, Lima, Peru, a novel approach to seismic reinforcement is making waves in the construction industry. Researchers, led by Emilio J. Medrano-Sánchez from Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, have been exploring the use of H-shaped steel profiles (W8×31) to retrofit self-built dwellings, offering a promising solution to enhance structural safety and resilience.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Built Environment (translated as “Frontiers in the Built Environment”), employed a comprehensive four-part workflow to assess the feasibility of this retrofit solution. The process began with a field diagnosis using the Peruvian National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) checklist to classify seismic vulnerability and document construction pathologies. This was followed by numerical modeling in ETABS v18 to characterize story drift, torsion, and center of rigidity under Peruvian Standard E.030.
Medrano-Sánchez and his team then designed a retrofit system that anchors and welds W8×31 profiles along critical load paths. The final phase involved experimental verification at the National University of Engineering (UNI) Materials Testing Laboratory (LEM), following Peruvian Technical Standard (NTP) 350.405:2019. The results were impressive: retrofitted specimens reached the testing machine’s maximum axial load of 686 kN (70,000 kgf) with only minor cracking observed between 245 and 324 kN (25,000–33,000 kgf).
“This study demonstrates the compatibility of concrete and steel in enhancing the structural integrity of self-built homes,” said Medrano-Sánchez. “The increased stiffness and axial capacity observed in our tests position W8×31 profiles as a feasible and constructible option for seismic risk reduction.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate context of Villa María del Triunfo. In regions prone to seismic activity, particularly in developing countries where self-built homes are prevalent, this retrofit solution could significantly improve structural safety and resilience. The commercial impact for the construction industry is substantial, as it opens up new markets for steel profiles and retrofit services.
Moreover, this research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) for safe, resilient, and inclusive housing. By providing a technical bridge toward guidelines, on-site protocols, and community training, it paves the way for future developments in sustainable urban development and infrastructure vulnerability reduction.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, innovations like this retrofit solution will play a crucial role in shaping the future of structural engineering. By addressing the challenges of seismic vulnerability in self-built homes, researchers are not only enhancing structural safety but also contributing to the broader goals of sustainable urban development and community resilience.