Sustainable dissemination of earthquake resistant construction in the Peruvian Andes

Abstract

This article describes the challenges and initial accomplishments of a project developed by the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) to disseminate technology and to train low-income families in the Andes Mountain region to build earthquake-resistant homes made of adobe bricks. The initiative has focused on improving the livability of households through affordable seismic reinforcement of traditional construction processes to enhance the social sustainability of housing in the area. We selected the rural Andean community of Pullo as a case study because of its preponderance of non-reinforced adobe construction and poverty. The research team developed tools and methodologies for technology transfer, worked with local residents to raise awareness of the high seismic vulnerability of adobe dwellings, and introduced the concept of seismic reinforcement. This article explores the barriers to disseminating earthquake-resistant technology in the study area and presents adaptive measures to overcome these challenges. Initial results demonstrate the positive impact of educational workshops to raise seismic awareness and to introduce earthquake-resistant construction among rural dwellers. The project is deemed to have wider applicability to other communities in seismic areas with similar housing, social, and economic conditions.