**Part 1**

**Winds, Building, and Risk Prevention** 

**1** 

*China* 

**Study of Wind-Induced Interference** 

Peng Xingqian, Liu Chunyan and Chen Yanhong *College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Quanzhou* 

**Effects on the Fujian Earth-Buildings** 

As the only large-scale rammed-earth dwelling worldwide,Fujian earth-building gets much attention for its unique style, grand scale,ingenious structure, abundant cultural connotation, reasonable layout and the concept of keeping harmony with nature. In July 2008, Chuxi earthbuilding cluster, Hongkeng earth-building cluster, Gaobei earth-building cluster, Yangxiang Lou and Zhenfu Lou were listed among world heritage. They are important parts of Fujian earth-building with a long history, vast distribution, various types and rich connotation. Earthbuilding culture roots in oriental ethical relations and provides specific historical witness to traditional style of living by clansman, It is a unique achievement by employing rammed raw

Because of the high frequency of typhoon between summer and autumn in mountainous areas of the western Fujian, buildings in high and open areas often get serious damages, as shown in figure 1. In 2006, the 4th cyclone "BiLiSi" brought heavy damage to Daoyun Lou which is 400 years old. Six rooms in it collapsed, several tiles were blew off and the total number of damaged rooms reached more than 10. As one of the world cultural heritages, the protection, utilization and development of Fujian earth-building is the major issue to be deal with. Presently, the theory study for wind-resistant of low buildings is still not enough, the failure mechanism hasn't been studied thoroughly. For low buildings often appear in the form of groups, the related studies are even less. So research of wind interference effect in earth-building groups can not only fill the blank of research studies but also put forward

some corresponding measures for protection of the world cultural heritage.

Fig. 1. Storm damage to the roof of earth-buildings

**1. Introduction** 

earth in large scale with "outstanding universal value".
