[Cob] mud brick Citadel in Bam

[Quinn]

"the Iranian plateau is one of the seismically active areas of the world and frequently suffers destructive and catastrophic earthquakes that cause heavy loss of human life and widespread damage" http://seismo.ethz.ch/gshap/iran/report.html

While it is natural to want to build as safely as possible, particularly in a place of regular seismic activity like California, one has to consider that the Citadel recently destroyed *had* been around for 2000-3000 years.  This is a pretty good record for its mud brick structure in an area notorious for damaging earthquakes.  In fact, I'd say its more than pretty good.

Not to discourage anyone from reinforcement by any means, but if my (dream/future) cob home were to last 3000 years I think I'd be content.  : )

Quinn


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charmaine Taylor" <tms at northcoast.com>
To: <otherfish at comcast.net>
Cc: <coblist at deatech.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2003 6:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Cob] mud brick Citadel in Bam


> Hello All, I am sure most are aware of the devastating quake in Bam, Iran
> which destroyed a 2000+ mud brick citadel..I went out looking for images, and
> found this from a personal  photo diary online...the images onTV were so
> beautiful it is sad to see it gone now.  But for those in earthquake zones (
> like CA)  I am now more aware of why reinforcement to cob walls  may also  be
> needed.  John Fordice, can you address this in some way for us as to how to
> strengthen cob walls, with or without metal rebar, etc?
> Ms. Charmaine  Taylor/ Taylor Publishing
> http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com    http://www.papercrete.com
> PO Box 375, Cutten CA 95534
> 707-441-1632
> 
> 
> http://www.monkeyview.net/id/601/default/index.vhtml
> 
> http://www.monkeyview.net/id/601/default/index.vhtml
> 
> Bam Citadel, anywhere from 2000 to 3000 years old, is surprisingly
>                   intact. You can walk along the thick walls of the
> once-thriving city, climb
>                   the watchtower, spy the bazaar and stables structures below,
> as well as
>                   many dwellings. in fact, many dwellings were in use until
> people were
>                   removed by govnt mandate.
>                   Two things I found very impressive about ancient
> architecture of Iran:
>                   1) buildings were often built in four parts, and use of the
> parts were
>                   rotated according to season. the winter section was smaller
> and more
>                   tightly sealed, easier to heat. the hot weather sections
> were strategically
>                   placed to avoid the worst of the sun during the active hours
> of the day.
>                   2)they used windcatchers-cleverly placed holes in the upper
> walls and
>                   ceiling that would seize the breeze and optimize the
> circulation of cooler
>                   air.
>                   3)ok, three things. the longevity of the buildings.
> 
> 
> http://www.monkeyview.net/id/601/default/index.vhtml
> at the top of the lookout post.
> http://www.monkeyview.net/id/601/default/index.vhtml