Enhancing the Sustainability and Earthquake Resistance of Confined Masonry Dwellings: The Case of El Salvador

The seismic vulnerability of housing stock in El Salvador was demonstrated during the recent 2001 earthquakes. Relative to other types of common residential construction, confined masonry dwellings performed well. A coordinated pilot study was conducted with the objective of improving the seismic resistance of this form of construction while reducing associated costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Laboratory tests examined brick strength in relation to firing temperature and duration. Analytical studies examined the potential for voided bricks to improve seismic performance, the reduction in demands associated with stiffening the roof diaphragm, and demands imposed on the roof bracing system. This pilot study identifies the potential for voided bricks to reduce construction costs and greenhouse gas emissions with negligible effects on performance. The addition of end-bay diagonal bracing at the roof level resulted in significant performance enhancements.