A Study of the Influence of Water Content Profile on the Dynamic Behavior of Rammed Earth Structures

Abstract

This research assesses the influence of water content in the dynamic performance of rammed earth structures. The procedure uses a finite element model based on hypothetical moisture profiles. The finite element model uses six layers where materials were assigned based on the water content profile. The research uses seven water profiles to establish the saturation degree as a function of wall depth. The mechanical properties for each layer were assigned according to the water content profile. Finally, the frequencies and modal shapes of the structure were calculated using a finite element model. The results showed an important change in the structural stiffness. Then, a response spectrum of accelerations was used to analyze the difference in the dynamic response of the structure due to the water content profile. The results suggest that the walls have different seismic behavior at the beginning of the construction phase and change with the different residual water content states of the structure.