Seismic resistance of earth construction in Portugal

This paper presents an assessment of the potential seismic performance of new earth construction in Portugal. Results of a parametric study on a properly designed rammed earth construction, considering several strengthening solutions, are presented and discussed. It is concluded that single storey h...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Gomes, Maria Idália (author)
Other Authors: Lopes, Mário (author), Brito, Jorge de (author)
Format: article
Language:eng
Published: 2012
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/1389
Country:Portugal
Oai:oai:repositorio.ipl.pt:10400.21/1389
Description
Summary:This paper presents an assessment of the potential seismic performance of new earth construction in Portugal. Results of a parametric study on a properly designed rammed earth construction, considering several strengthening solutions, are presented and discussed. It is concluded that single storey houses can have acceptable seismic performance even in high seismicity areas, provided that the structure is adequately strengthened by reinforced concrete columns and beams. Improvement of the characteristics of the structural material (earth) may be necessary to reduce damage.