Structural robustness of buildings in Spain. Recent research at the Universitat Politècnica de València

Abstract

The constant increase in extreme events requires robust buildings capable of withstanding initial local damage without causing propagation of failures that could affect the entire structure or a significant part of it. This article examines the current state of regulations and research on structural robustness in Spain, more specifically that carried out at the Universitat Politècnica de València, offering a comprehensive overview for both industry professionals and researchers. Although the Spanish Structural Code mentions the need for robust buildings, it lacks clear guidance on implementation, leading to the possible adoption of international standards, such as Eurocode 1 Part 1-7 or the U.S. UFC 4-023-03. These standards consider various strategies for designing robust buildings, highlighting the tying forces method, the alternative load path method, and the design of key elements. The main features of these methods are also described in this article. In terms of research, Spain shows significant progress since important projects introduce innovative strategies to enhance the robustness of existing structures or arrest collapse once initiated. These projects highlight the national potential in developing advanced and effective robustness approaches.