ABSTRACT

This chapter summarizes the preliminary results obtained during an Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) seismic research project regarding the seismic reinforcement of earthen monuments and vernacular dwelling. A technique for the seismic protection of vernacular and historical earthen buildings is being investigated at the PUCP. This technique consists of the repair of seismic damage via mud injection and the reinforcement of earthen walls with a mesh made of nylon ropes. Considerations should be given to the deep understanding of the historical buildings and their seismic behavior through analytical or physical modeling, non-destructive tests and other modern tools and to document it. The proposed retrofitting technique has two components: a procedure to repair seismic damage on adobe walls by injecting liquid mud in large cracks, and a technique to reinforce earthen buildings by wrapping all the walls with a mesh made of nylon strings.