UC Davis

Stabilized earth masonry (SEM) made with unfired blocks is emerging as an attractive option for sustainable houses that are built using locally available materials. However, it is unclear whether SEM is suitable for low-rise buildings in seismic regions of the US, and establishing feasibility is essential to guide research and development toward generating guidance for practitioners. Drawing from the authors’ experience in SEM prototyping and mechanical characterization, this paper presents an analytical investigation on the feasibility of using SEM for earthquake-resistant dwellings in the US. A structural analysis and design framework is enlisted to examine the case study of a representative single-story house located in New Madrid (MO), and thus in one of the most seismic-prone areas in the US.