EVALUATION OF THE SEISMIC VULNERABILITY OF COLONIAL TYPOLOGY HOUSES IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

This research evaluated the seismic vulnerability of a group of colonial houses in the historical center of Cartagena using a vulnerability index qualitative method. The study consisted of a review and application of the parameters that make up the method, an analysis of historical-architectural background, a detailed visual inspection and a photographic record, developing a descriptive-type research. The sample consisted in the identification of the 100most representative and predominant colonial houses in the three districts that conform the historical center of Cartagena (Centro, San Diego and Getsemaní),taking 5 for each district; 42 of them were grouped as low houses (LH) and 58 as high houses (HH). The vulnerability index below 15% is established as low, between 15% and 35% as medium, and greater than 35% as high. The results showed the average index for Centro district is 30.54% (medium vulnerability), for San Diego district 40.35% (high vulnerability) and for Getsemaní district 33.42% (medium vulnerability). As conclusion, for the intervention of any colonial house in Cartagena is necessary to make a seismic vulnerability quantitative analysis, supported in a pathological study to qualify the building state, typify the lesions and based in engineering parameters, apply the Colombian Regulation of Earthquake Resistant Construction NSR-10