Comparative Analysis of Seismic Demand in Caribbean Countries: the Case of Venezuela and Dominican Republic

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the methods and criteria used to determine seismic demand according to the Venezuelan standard COVENIN 1756-1:2019 and the Dominican Republic's R-001 regulation. The aim is to identify similarities and differences in the design approach, the level of conservatism, and how each standard represents structural behavior under design earthquakes, given that both countries are located in the Caribbean. The study includes the identification and comparison of the seismic parameters used in constructing the response spectrum, the analysis of the criteria for calculating base shear, and the evaluation of permissible lateral drift limits, establishing the implications that each standard has on seismic demand and structural performance. The results suggest that the COVENIN 1756-1:2019 standard presents a more detailed and flexible formulation for local conditions, and more explicitly represents the inelastic behavior of structures, avoiding the overestimation of design forces. In contrast, the R-001 regulation adopts a more simplified and conservative approach, prioritizing structural safety through higher seismic demands and more restrictive drift limits. This study contributes to the comparison of standards within the regional context, strengthening the understanding of seismic design criteria among Caribbean countries.