Seismic Retrofitting Techniques for Historic Adobe Buildings

This article presents a comprehensive overview of the techniques available for the seismic retrofitting of adobe buildings. It analyzes these techniques’ viability from a structural engineering standpoint and evaluates their suitability in the context of historic preservation. Analysis was based on an exhaustive review of studies addressing retrofitting techniques of earthen structures, as well as consultation with field experts. The guiding principles of conservation relating to the structural reinforcement of monuments were taken into account. Traditional techniques that enhance the stability of the building, such as wooden ring beams, wooden ties interconnecting parallel walls, corner keys, and the addition of buttresses were found to be effective solutions since they employ compatible and low-cost materials such as earth and wood. When these techniques prove insufficient, minimally invasive measures such as introducing a plywood diaphragm, horizontal steel rods, a geomesh covered with mud rendering or a strapping system can be appropriate.