Structural Characterization and Seismic Retrofitting of Adobe Constructions, 1st ed. 2021
Experimental and Numerical Developments
Building Pathology and Rehabilitation Series, Vol. 20

This book provides the reader with a review of the most relevant research on the structural characterization and seismic retrofitting of adobe construction. It offers a complete review of the latest research developments, and hence the relevance of the field. 

The book starts with an introductory discussion on adobe construction and its use throughout the world over time, highlighting characteristics and performance of adobe masonry structures as well as different contributions for cultural heritage conservation (Chapter 1). Then, the seismic behaviour of adobe masonry buildings is addressed, including examples of real performance during recent earthquakes (Chapter 2). In the following chapters, key research investigations on seismic response assessment and retrofitting of adobe constructions are reviewed. The review deals with the following issues: mechanical characterization of adobe bricks and adobe masonry (Chapters 3 and 4); quasi-static and shaking table testing of adobe masonry walls and structures (Chapters 5 and 6); non-destructive and minor-destructive testing for characterization of adobe constructions (Chapter 7); seismic strengthening techniques for adobe constructions (Chapter 8); and numerical modelling of adobe structures (Chapter 9).  

The book ends with Chapter 10, where some general conclusions are drawn and research needs are identified. Each chapter is co-authored by a group of experts from different countries to comprehensively address all issues of adobe constructions from a worldwide perspective. 

The information covered in this book is fundamental to support civil engineers and architects in the rehabilitation and strengthening of existing adobe constructions and also in the design of new adobe buildings. This information is also of interest to researchers, by providing a summary of existing research and suggesting possible directions for future research efforts.

Humberto Varum is Full Professor at the Civil Engineering Department (Structural Division) of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, in Portugal. He has privileged the development of his scientific activity mainly in the following areas: assessment, rehabilitation and seismic retrofitting of existing structures; mechanical and structural characterization of earthen constructions; monitoring of the behaviour of structures. He has coordinated and collaborated in many national and international research projects, financed on a competitive basis, and is the author of a large number of publications, including articles in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. He has edited 4 books, 2 journal special issues and 9 conference proceedings.  He is the editor or member of the editorial or scientific committee of 9 international scientific journals and 4 national scientific journals. He has been a member of the scientific committee and an invited speaker of many scientific events and is a member, by election or invitation, of several technical-scientific committees, associations or working groups.

He is Expert Member of the ICOMOS’s International Scientific Committee of Earthen Architectural Heritage (ISCEAH). He is President of the Instituto da Construção of the University of Porto.

Fulvio Parisi is Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) and Associate Researcher of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). He is Associate Editor of 3 international journals and Editorial Board member of 2 international journals. In almost 20 research projects, his research mainly focused on assessment, retrofitting, robustness, and health monitoring of existing structures. He authored more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, 1 book, 3 book chapters, 30 reports, and 3 computer tools for seismic analysis of masonry buildings and experimenta

Provides the reader with a review of the most relevant research on the structural characterization and seismic retrofitting of adobe construction

Supports civil engineers and architects in the rehabilitation and strengthening of existing adobe constructions and even in the design of new adobe buildings

Offers a complete review of the latest research developments