From “Opus Craticium” to the “Chicago Frame”: Earthquake-Resistant Traditional Construction*

Abstract

Earthquake-resistant traditional construction? One may consider the phrase to be an oxymoron, but there are many examples of traditional construction that have fared well in large earthquakes. This finding is certainly important for historic preservation efforts because the analysis and documentation of this phenomenon can bolster attempts to preserve the fabric of historical structures. There is, however, an even more powerful lesson to be learned from these historic structures — a lesson on how to improve new construction. This point is crucial because in recent earthquakes in diverse parts of the globe it is the modern buildings that often have proved to be most fatal. This finding is also of importance for historic preservation because vernacular buildings that are only admired for their appearance — and not for their traditional construction technology — will never be preserved in a manner that properly protects and reveals their true cultural value. This article will explore examples of timber-laced non-engineered masonry construction that have proven to be comparatively resistant to earthquake damage and discuss the reasons why they have proved more robust than what might be expected.