ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This paper discusses a way of classifying the differences in construction typology of buildings from around the world and of all ages. This classific ation is in tended to focus on building performance in earthquakes, with pre-modern as well as contemporary code conforming construction materials and systems. Instead of using the classic subdivisions found in most building c odes w hich are organize d around con struction materials a nd stru ctural systems, the author explores an o rganization of structural systems along a con tinuum from ‘so lid walls” to ‘frames,’ with ‘mixed-wall dominant’ and ‘mixed-frame dominant’ in the middle. The discussion of this provides a platform for exploring different approaches towards the analysis of buildings that is m ore responsive to the inh erent resilience of certain forms of archaic construction. This can also lead to the recognition of retrofit alternatives that utilize certain traditional masonry construction practices in more effective combination with steel and reinforced concrete than often has been seen in recent years, where such combinations have contributed to collapses.
