Author(s): Gomes, Maria Idália ; Lopes, Mário ; Brito, Jorge de
Date: 2011
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/1389
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa
Subject(s): Rammed earth; Seismic behaviour; Stress analysis
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.
