Post-earthquake housing recovery with traditional construction: A preliminary review

Post-disaster reconstruction requires not only an immediate response but also long-term consideration of the recovery of local livelihoods, sustainability of technology transfer, and respect for sociocultural norms. A top- down approach for post-disaster reconstruction, usually relying on external resources and standardized prototypes, might strongly hinder the recovery process. To enhance community resilience, the use of traditional knowledge in post-disaster reconstruction is highlighted in the Sendai Framework.

This study specifically focuses on traditional construction. A systematic literature review is conducted on post-earthquake housing recovery with traditional construction, and a hierarchical analysis framework helps categorize the review results at strategic, managerial, and operational levels. Drawn from the review, a classification of traditional construction systems is proposed, corresponding to their varied seismic performance.

The results indicate the possibility of strengthening traditional construction with seismic engineering and its successful implementation into reconstruction. Specifically, it includes timber-reinforced masonry, wattle and daub, timber frame construction, reinforced rammed earth, and reinforced adobe. However, we also find that the sustainable practice of traditional construction remains problematic, and the replication of participatory reconstruction is difficult.

This preliminary review serves to bridge the discipline of vernacular architecture and disaster management and establish a solid common ground for further argumentation.