Constructing Low-rise Confined Masonry Buildings: A guide for builders and architects (Open Access)

In many of the most earthquake-prone areas of the world, low-rise houses, built by masons without formal training or self-built, are vulnerable to collapse. This guide focuses on the confined masonry technique which offers excellent results of earthquake resistance in countries where it is part of the building code. They have been developed by practitioners rather than by engineers, and therefore respond well to the technical and financial capacities of small-scale contractors and self-builders. Confined masonry uses the same materials as the widely used reinforced-concrete frame technique, but in a different sequence, making the system more simple and forgiving. Constructing Low-rise Confined Masonry Buildings describes these techniques with clear and concise instructions. Punctuated regularly with illustrations and photos throughout, this guide carefully describes basic rules for the selection of safe building sites and for house layouts, whilst giving detailed instructions on the construction process. Photos include examples to highlight both safe and unsafe practices paired with clear explanations. The guide gives indications on practical detailing of confined masonry but also includes basic information on good construction practice in general. This is an essential handbook for building technicians, construction managers, architects and students of architecture and civil engineering in areas regularly affected by earthquakes or for those following practical training on confined masonry building sites--

• | Author: Tom Schacher, Tim Hart
• | Publisher: Practical Action Publishing
• | Publication Date: Jan 15, 2018
• | Number of Pages: 180 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Hardcover
• | ISBN-10: 1853399906
• | ISBN-13: 9781853399909