A Step Towards the Formulation of a Simple Method to Design PP-Band Mesh Retrofitting for Adobe/Masonry Houses

Abstract eng:
Past earthquakes have shown that the collapse of seismically weak adobe/masonry structures is responsible for most of the fatalities in developing countries. It is, thus, urgent to improve their seismic performance in order to reduce future casualties and to protect the existing housing stock. To encourage seismic retrofitting, inexpensive and easy to implement technical solutions are desirable. Retrofitting by polypropylene band (PP-band) meshes satisfies these requirements. These bands, commonly used for packing, are resistant, inexpensive, durable and worldwide available. Experiments and advanced numerical simulations have shown that PP-band meshes can dramatically increase the seismic capacity of adobe/masonry houses. Nevertheless, a simple yet accurate design method is still needed to optimize the mesh arrangement and assess its performance. PP-band meshes increase the structure ductility and energy dissipation capacity through controlled cracking. However, large deformations during seismic events are expected and therefore, the design method must take this into account. In this paper, a methodology to design PP-band mesh retrofitted structures is outlined and discussed.

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