Tornado-Resistant Residential Design Using Experimentally Obtained Characteristic Strength Values for Cement-Stabilized Earthen Masonry
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 25, Issue 2
Abstract
Compressed and stabilized earthen masonry (CSEM) offers a sustainable, affordable, and locally appropriate alternative to traditional residential construction. It provides a method that can enable the community to solve their own housing needs instead of aiding them just one time. While a significant amount of work has recently been done to engineer earthen masonry systems, research gaps remain. To address some of these research gaps, the goals of this paper include understanding the capacity of unreinforced and reinforced CSEM walls against extreme wind loads and developing a systematic approach to the schematic design of residential structures with safe rooms utilizing a combination of empirical data, statistical analysis, and available codes and standards. For this purpose, experimentally obtained compressive strength data for compressed and 10% cement-stabilized earth blocks, soil-based mortars, and CSEM assemblies are statistically analyzed. The test data are then benchmarked to a similar study with concrete masonry units and traditional mortars to understand the relative level of variability of CSEM assemblies and interactions of units and mortar in each type of masonry. After such analysis, the CSEM characteristic strength is computed statistically, following TMS 602 (specification for masonry structures) criteria for concrete and clay masonry. The characteristic strength is then used in the design of a conceptual single-family dwelling with a tornado-resistant safe room, assumed to be located in Winnebago, Nebraska. The site selection has a significance in that the Indian reservation in Winnebago is a plausible location for this technology’s future adoption due to their acute housing needs and the habitants’ open-minded approach to sustainable building design. The study’s findings indicate that with a proper recipe for the local soils, a good workmanship of CSEM components, and a careful design of the CSEM walls and connections, this technology can be utilized in a residence located in an area subject to tornadoes.
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Acknowledgments
This material is partially supported by the National Science Foundation under companion grants 1131509 and 1131161. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Some of the site characteristics and the hypothetical site selection reflects those of the Winnebago American Indian Reservation. Their collaboration during the project in the forms of guidance in design characteristics and for the soil collection is appreciated. The authors would also like to thank Kelvin Lein, Avery Schwer, Benjamin Wagner, Linsey Rohe, Cody Largent, Marissa Gigantelli, Luke Dolezal, Austin Seagren, and Elena Hoff at University of Nebraska–Lincoln for their assistance with the experimental work.
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 25 • Issue 2 • June 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 6, 2017
Accepted: Sep 6, 2018
Published online: Mar 27, 2019
Published in print: Jun 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Aug 27, 2019
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