Earthquake resilience of Pol houses in Ahmedabad
3.2.1 Traditional seismic resistant building practices – The study on ‘Seismic-resistant building practices resulting from Local Seismic Culture’ by J. Ortega & G. Vasconcelos M.R. Correia, formulates the characteristics of vernacular seismic-resistant constructions as: •
The building should be symmetrical in both plan and elevation - reduces torsion.
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Height to base ratio should be low - to minimize overturn.
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Materials like timber which are ductile to resist tensile forces are preferred.
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Stress concentrations are avoided
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Failure of certain members is tolerated - e.g. masonry is collapsed but the frame is intact.
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Good state of conservation, proper maintenance, post-earthquake repairs, and strengthening works.
The study also mentions the characteristic observations from the LSC in European Mediterranean16 countries as: •
Elevation configuration - low centre of gravity
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Use of timber elements
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Structural timber frames
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The connection between structural elements
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Ties
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Traditional joining system
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Stabilization of floors and roofs - improving the diaphragmatic behaviour by reducing their excessive deformability.
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Reinforcement of the openings
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Elements neutralizing the horizontal forces
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Urban reinforcing measures
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Position within the urban fabric
Mediterranean countries – countries which surround Mediterranean Sea.
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