Appropriate construction techniques for the reconstruction of housing after a seismic disaster in a rural and heritage context. Case study Colca Valley, Peru

Abstract

From 1970 to 2020, earthquakes in developing countries caused 1.015.000 deaths and affected 178.000.000 inhabitants. This problem requires the use of mechanisms that allow proper selection of construction techniques that guarantee resilient housing and successful experiences of reconstruction in rural populations with heritage value located in seismic areas such as Peru and Italy.The objective of our research focuses on comparing six traditional building techniques strongly related to self-building: four techniques for adobe housing, and two techniques for masonry buildings. The research results show that reinforced adobe techniques are a viable and competitive option. These techniques have safety characteristics, low price, and the additional advantage of using traditional materials and construction methods, having less environmental impact and showing good thermal performance in cold climates as Colca Valley, in Peru.