Lateral Load Performance of Dhajji Dewari

Abstract

Dhajji Dewari is a traditional non-engineered construction practice used mostly in northern areas of Pakistan and in Kashmir. This construction consists of timber framing with various arrangements of bracing between the closely spaced vertical posts. The empty spaces between these bracings and vertical posts are filled with single wythe of rubble stones or brick masonry laid in mud. This construction has been in practice for more than 200 years. This construction is highly sustainable as it consists of naturally available materials which can be recycled over a period of time and can naturally decay after their use. After the October 2005 earthquake, it was observed that this traditional construction performed much better than the modern day masonry structures and reinforced concrete frame structure. As no numerical evidence of performance of this construction was available, the donor agencies and Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority, Pakistan were reluctant to allow such construction. However, after 2007 they finally allowed the locals to build their houses to this traditional construction. As there is a limited research available in this type of construction practice, it is required to study and analyze this construction to get a better understanding of its performance and to study what parameters contribute to its performance. An experimental program was designed to evaluate the lateral load performance of Dhajji Dewari panels by changing the infill parameters. Three full scale Dhajji Dewari panels were constructed following the local practice and unidirectional lateral load was applied through a hydraulic jack. The infill configuration was from no infill to infilled with 60% stones 40% mud and 70% stones and 30% mud. The purpose was to assess the behavior of Dhajji panels with these different configurations. Load displacements curves were plotted and compared to evaluate the performance of these Dhajji Dewari panels. Results showed that the Dhajji Dewari panel infilled with less mud ratio gave much better performance than the other two panels. Thus suggesting that the infill plays a significant part in providing stiffness to the Dhajji Dewari panels in resisting lateral loads. This research opens a new dimension in understanding the behavior of Dhajji Dewari panels and helps us to understand a little more about this traditional construction. So that we can be sure of the safety of the locals residing in such houses and improve Dhajji Dewari’s performance using modern day techniques and knowledge.