Seismic features and vulnerability of traditional building practices in the Himalayan State, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

In the present study, widespread field surveys are conducted to identify the traditional building practices prevalent in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The conducted field surveys led to the identification of the Kath-kunni, Thathara, Drystone, and Rammed earthen buildings in the study region. These building practices are studied, classified, and sketched for their siting, architectural and structural features, soil conditions and foundations. The qualitative seismic vulnerability assessment is conducted to highlight earthquake-resilient and vulnerable features of the studied traditional buildings.