Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2025
Department
Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
First Advisor
Laura Doyle
Abstract
Oaxaca, Mexico is one of the most seismically active states in the country. Earthen-based structures are common in this area as well due to their cultural acceptance, affordability, and accessibility. However, due to the seismicity, these structures often face challenges related to durability. This project serves as an exploration, aimed at increasing the lifespan and resilience of cob construction. The design builds off of the work of GRUPEDSAC, a nonprofit focused on utilizing bioconstruction to provide structures for rural communities in Mexico. This thesis proposes the incorporation of a hybrid wall system that incorporates cob with timber framing, and is informed by risk assessmens of cob properties and a cost analysis.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Dana; Lanzas, Benjamin; and Perez, Alfonso Zepeda, "Cob Structure Optimization for Oaxacan Community Center" (2025). Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses. 118.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/ceng_senior/118
