Adaptive Retrofitting Strategies for Vernacular Adobe Structures in Villages: A Post-Earthquake Assessment of the Adıyaman-Kahta Region after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
Abstract
This study examines the post-earthquake condition of vernacular adobe structures in the villages of the Adıyaman–Kahta region following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes, which caused extensive destruction across southeastern Türkiye. Field observations were conducted to document damage patterns, identify predominant failure mechanisms, and assess the seismic performance of traditional adobe structures. Damage levels differed markedly among the surveyed structures. Poorly maintained or weakly connected adobe buildings experienced extensive failure, while those employing traditional bonding details and timber reinforcements sustained only limited damage. Based on these observations, the study proposes a set of adaptive retrofitting strategies specifically suited to local rural conditions. These strategies aim to improve seismic resistance while preserving the cultural and architectural integrity of adobe heritage. The proposed interventions emphasise the use of compatible materials, the enhancement of structural connections, and the integration of traditional construction knowledge to ensure both the resilience and the continuity of vernacular heritage.
Keywords
Conservation , Retrofitting , Sustainable Techniques , Vernacular Heritage , Earthquake
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