Guidelines for earthquake resistant non-engineered construction

This publication offers basic concepts and construction techniques to improve the earthquake resistance of the commonly built houses.

The book starts with the presentation of the basic concepts that determine the performance of constructions when subjected to high intensity earthquakes, as well as with the sensitivity of that performance to the basic geometrical and mechanical properties of the systems affected. This information is later applied to the formulation of simplified design rules and to the presentation of practical construction procedures, both intended to prevent system collapse and to control the level of damage produced by seismic excitations. Emphasis is placed on basic
principles and simple solutions that can be applied to different types of structural systems, representative of those ordinarily used in low-cost housing construction in different regions and countries in the world.