Understanding, Experience and Research on Seismic Safety of Low-Strength Loadbearing Masonry Buildings

Abstract

Efforts to achieve seismic safety in developed countries have resulted in a significant reduction in earthquake-induced fatalities. However, parallel efforts to achieve similar results remain elusive in developing countries. Earthquake-induced fatalities and financial losses in developing countries are being largely attributed to damage and destruction of low-strength load-bearing masonry (LSM) buildings constructed of locally available materials such as fired or unfired bricks, stones, mud. Widespread replacement of LSM buildings is not feasible as they provide cost-effective and affordable housing solution for large number of communities. Construction of such buildings is typically easy, well understood locally and requires minimal tools/equipment as well as minimal technical input. These factors result in such buildings being the most commonly occurring typology in developing countries with its construction being projected to continue well into future. The scientific community has diverted comparably little research into the low-strength loadbearing masonry building typologies, typically considering them as “primitive”. This impeded research, resulted in lack of knowledge dissemination, and little promotion of seismic safety of such building types. Recent research has shown that the seismic safety of low-strength loadbearing stone masonry buildings can be enhanced significantly with minimal technical, financial and social inputs. Presented here are some of the prevailing misconceptions about low-strength loadbearing masonry buildings, and recent observations and findings for enhancement of their seismic safety.