Paola Mayorca

Shake Table Tests on One-Quarter Scale Models of Masonry Houses Retrofitted with PP-Band Mesh

This paper introduces a technically feasible and economically affordable retrofitting option for seismically vulnerable masonry structures in developing countries using polypropylene bands (PP-bands). The results of the basic material tests and shake table tests on building models show that the PP-band retrofitting technique can enhance the safety of both existing and new masonry buildings, even during severe ground motions, for instance an earthquake with a Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) seismic intensity of 7. Therefore, the proposed method is an optimum solution for promoting safer building construction in developing countries and can contribute to earthquake disaster mitigation in the future.

Seismic Vulnerability of Peruvian Houses: Current Issues and Solution Attempts

Peru is the third largest country in South America with an area of 1.28 million km2 and a population of 28.3 million people as of 2005. Located along the Pacific Rim, it is frequently subjected to earthquakes. On May 31, 1970, 15:23 local time, an earthquake magnitude 7.6–7.8 on the Ritcher scale struck the northern part of the country killing 67,000 people and injuring an additional 150,000. The number of damaged buildings reached almost 200,000, many of them adobe houses. This event, the deadliest in the region, triggered a series of initiatives towards disaster mitigation in the country. In spite of these remarkable efforts, there is still great concern about the seismic vulnerability of the country. In this article, the current Peruvian situation and its challenges are presented.