Investigation of the 1716 Algiers (Algeria) Earthquake and the Traditional Seismic Preventive Measures From Historical Documents Sources

Abstract eng:
This work presents the consequences of the 1716 Algiers earthquake collected from ottoman, consular mails, scientists and travelers in the XVIIIth century. The 1716 Algiers earthquake is one of the most significant historical events having affected the city. Indeed several sources describe it and give considerable information about the scope of damage recorded. The historical documentary sources are numerous. The city of Algiers suffered the effects of several earthquakes from its establishment to nowadays. The first reported earthquake goes back to 1365 and the last one is that of May 21 2003. It is of interest to mention no research in historical seismicity in Algeria has been conducted, expect for some well known destructive events. The data have been reviewed only for the 20th century. In1716, an earthquake whose intensity was estimated at IX (MMI) damaged seriously the Casbah of Algiers. Following that earthquake disaster, it is deferred that the authority of that time, in fact the Dey (Governor) Ali Chaouch imposed to the Algiers population a preventive construction measures. This work puts forward the techniques of these measures as contribution for a catalogue of the earthquake-resistant traditional techniques representing the urban, architectural and the structural aspects used in the Casbah of Algiers built in 1520 by the Ottomans. These techniques were highlighted by a detailed historical research in documentary sources (written and graphic sources, files, etc.) together with an archaeological investigation on the site and a comparison to the modern seismic design codes.

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