Experimental Study of Adobe Type Vernacular Structures Under Dynamic Loading

Abstract

The experimental analysis was carried out to understand the effect of earthquake resistant features on the behaviour and damage or failure pattern of adobe and concrete masonry structure under earthquake or dynamic force. To attain this objective two series of tests were performed: A material testing programme for reduced scaling of material and Shake table testing programme for dynamic testing on 6 reduced scale masonry house models (3 from adobe brick masonry and another 3 from concrete brick masonry). 3 models can distinguish as a simple reduced scale masonry structure with no extra or additional features, a similar masonry structure aided with horizontal RC (reinforced concrete) bands at sill, lintel and roof level as earthquake resistant feature and a similar masonry structure aided with horizontal RC (reinforced concrete) bands at sill, lintel and roof level and vertical Aluminium containment reinforcement as earthquake resistant features. After testing it is concluded that masonry structure aided with horizontal EQ (Earthquake). bands and vertical containment reinforcement shows more ductile behaviour which avoids life-threatening collapse of structure.