Carina Fonseca Ferreira

Area of Research / Academic Interests

Carina's research on Earthquake Engineering and conservation of historic buildings is part of the "Earthen Architecture Initiative - Seismic Retrofitting Project in Peru", a collaborative project of UCL, The Getty Conservation Institute, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and the Ministerio de Cultura del Perú. Carina uses advanced numerical modelling to structurally analyse heritage structures built with earthen materials and timber for the purpose of seismic strengthening. Past earthquakes, such as the 2007 7.9Mw Pisco (Peru) earthquake, have caused severe damage to this type of structure, emphasising their high seismic vulnerability and the need for research on their earthquake response. The improvement of their structural behaviour and conservation requires the application of a balanced approach that takes into account safety issues, cultural value and the economic and social context of their present existence.

Keywords / Tags

Earthquake Engineering, Conservation, Historic Structures, Earthen Construction, Timber Engineering; Numerical Modelling