Cooperative Research on Seismic Resistant Design of Low-Cost Housing Units

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

PI: James K. Wight, Univ. of Michigan Technical Merit: For most major earthquakes, the largest loss of life is typically caused by the total or partial collapse of low-cost housing units that have not been adequately designed and/or constructed to resist seismic forces. The purpose of this proposal is to launch an exploratory investigation of the use of high performance concrete for the construction of low-cost seismic resistant housing units. The high performance features to be studied include self-compacting concretes and the additional of a low percentage of steel fibers to the concrete mix. Designs for both precast and cast-in-place housing units will be investigated. Broader Impact: This proposal will be used to initiate a long-term cooperative research effort aimed at the development of a variety of standard designs for low-cost housing units in moderate to high seismic risk zones. The development of such standard designs should prove to be very beneficial throughout Mexico, as well as other Central and South American countries that have access to similar construction materials for low-cost housing. A short-term goal of this cooperative research effort will be the development of proposals to use the NSF-NEES facilities to dynamically test these standard housing units. The long- term goal is the reduction in loss of life in future earthquakes.