Tierra sísmica: Análisis y caracterización física y mecánica de los sistemas constructivos de adobe y bahareque de los centros históricos de la ciudad de Cartago y Santo Domingo de Heredia como punto de partida para su adaptación sismorresistente

Throughout time, human beings have lived in earthen buildings using this material in the different structural
systems of the constructions, from support to enclosures and ornamental elements. In Costa Rica, adobe
and wattle and daub techniques were widely used, and can be found in both urban and rural areas,
becoming representative elements of the landscape. However, in spite of their development in the past,
these construction systems have presented problems in terms of their response to seismic conditions. From
the structural point of view, adobe and wattle and daub have been classified as fragile systems, a situation
that limits their use to interventions in buildings of historical and heritage value.
In spite of this condition, the urban centers of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) still preserve a significant
number of earthen buildings; however, since these techniques have been discontinued, the trade that allows
the maintenance of this type of construction has been lost, making this resource vulnerable and aggravating
the risk of its disappearance.
On the other hand, in recent years the construction industry has been identified as one of the most
environmentally polluting sectors, and studies on environmental impact reflected in the Sustainable
Development Goals point to the need to use alternative materials that allow for more sustainable cities and
communities. These factors have positioned the earth as an opportunity to lessen the impact, reduce costs,
recover forgotten knowledge and conserve existing buildings in these construction systems.
This project aims to analyze the adobe and bahareque construction systems of the historic centers of the
cities of Cartago and Santo Domingo de Heredia based on the physical and mechanical characterization of
the material that will allow generating the basis for proposing a seismic-resistant adaptation of these
techniques. It is proposed the generation of knowledge about these systems to support the conservation
processes of existing buildings and subsequently offer an alternative for the reuse of these construction
systems.

Analizar los sistemas constructivos de adobe y bahareque y sus lesiones en los centros históricos de la ciudad de Cartago y Santo
Domingo de Heredia a partir de la caracterización física y mecánica del material como base para su adaptación sismorresistente

1.Producción del espacio arquitectónico y urbano
2.Patrimonio e identidad