Probabilistic assessment of the seismic vulnerability of a rammed earth construction: a case study

Abstract

Rammed earth significantly reduces intrinsic energy compared to concrete construction and has an environmental benefit throughout the life cycle of the building: phases of construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. Several studies have recently been carried out to study this material. However, the seismic behavior of rammed earth constructions is still an important topic that needs to be studied in more detail. Through the analysis of non-linear behavior of the rammed earth construction for different wall thicknesses according to the Moroccan earthquake regulation RPS2011, we were able to assess the seismic performance under the corresponding conditions (loads, seismic zone). The results show that the walls studied can have good resistance in areas of seismicity ranging from “very low” to “moderate” and acceptable performance in areas of high seismicity. Furthermore, fragility analysis shows that rammed construction with a wall thickness equal to 50 centimeters exhibits better seismic performance and a low probability of damage, particularly in the case of moderate, severe, and complete damage states.

Keywords

• rammed earth
• vulnerability
• probability
• capacity curve
• earthquake