Vernacular morphology as a preventive solution of local seismic culture

Abstract

Most of the seismic resistant research is focused on the mechanical capacity of modern materials. The reinforcement intervention on structural damaged or at risk heritage addresses most of the time, monumental heritage. To overcome this gap, the Project Seismic-V is presently developing a research based on the identification and reinforcement of the seismic resistant vernacular solutions, considering that through the centuries, communities repaired and retrofitted their houses, in response to strong or fre- quent earthquakes. This paper intends to address this vernacular heritage still in-use, through the study of Castro Marim vernacular heritage, a village located in Algarve region. The present paper aims to reflect if specific vernacular morphology, concerning the spatial configuration of the houses can be considered also, as a valid response against seismic hazard occurrences. The research focus is on the vernacular houses reinforced with seismic resistant features, but also on the preventive morphological approach addressed through the years by Castro Marim inhabitants.