In a groundbreaking study published in the journal “Buildings,” researchers have turned the spotlight on bahareque walls—traditional structures prevalent in rural northern South America—offering new insights into their seismic performance. Led by Karol Cristancho from the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Cali, Colombia, the research aims to bridge a significant knowledge gap regarding the behavior of these walls under seismic stress, particularly in regions vulnerable to earthquakes.
Bahareque, characterized by its lightweight and flexible design, typically consists of guadua (a bamboo-like material) or wooden frames filled with soil mixes. The study involved a series of rigorous pseudo-static tests on five wall prototypes, each featuring different combinations of materials. The findings were striking: walls incorporating soil mixture infill, particularly those with horizontal guadua strips, exhibited remarkable resilience, with maximum displacements reaching 166 mm and strengths between 6.4 and 8.4 kN. “These results underscore the potential of bahareque as a sustainable and safe construction system,” Cristancho noted, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional methods with modern engineering practices.
The implications for the construction sector are profound. As communities worldwide seek sustainable building solutions, the research highlights bahareque’s viability as an alternative to conventional materials, particularly in earthquake-prone areas. The study not only champions the use of local materials but also promotes the preservation of cultural heritage while enhancing safety. “Our findings can guide public policies aimed at improving construction practices in rural communities, ensuring that traditional knowledge is not lost but rather adapted to meet contemporary challenges,” Cristancho added.
The research also points to the importance of material configurations in optimizing structural performance. The study found that walls with wooden frameworks demonstrated a 23% higher strength compared to guadua frameworks, showcasing the need for careful material selection in construction. Furthermore, the introduction of soil infill significantly improved load-bearing capacity, which could lead to a shift in how rural housing is constructed, potentially reducing reliance on imported materials and fostering local economies.
While the study provides crucial insights, Cristancho acknowledges that further research is needed to explore the long-term performance of these structures under dynamic seismic conditions. The findings pave the way for future developments in sustainable architecture, encouraging the construction industry to reconsider traditional designs and materials in the context of modern engineering challenges.
As the construction sector increasingly embraces sustainability, this research serves as a reminder that innovation can stem from the past. By harnessing the strengths of traditional construction techniques, such as bahareque, the industry can not only enhance safety in vulnerable regions but also promote environmentally friendly practices that resonate with contemporary values.
For more information on this study and its implications, you can visit the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.