Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Mexican Vernacular Adobe Buildings: Application and Comparison of Different Methods

Abstract

This study explores the application of various seismic vulnerability assessment methods (SVAM) to vernacular adobe buildings in Mexico, an area with limited previous research. The methods GNDT, Vicente, Formisano, SVIVA and SAVVAS were applied to earthen constructions across three distinct case studies located in seismic regions of the country. The fieldwork and data collection allowed to highlight how the architectural, morphological and construction features of the vernacular architecture influence the seismic vulnerability. The comparison of these methods reveals that despite relying on the evaluation of similar parameters, they produce different results and outcomes, allowing the identification of the most vulnerable structures, providing a basis for planning mitigation strategies to safeguard these heritage buildings. SVIVA and SAVVAS exhibited the greatest sensitivity to the characteristics of earthen architecture, making them particularly valuable for future assessments of vernacular structures. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of seismic vulnerability in traditional earthen architecture and provides a foundation for future research and preservation efforts. Nevertheless, it also underscores the need for further investigation, particularly in refining these methods when applied to the existing earthen building typologies. © 2025 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.