A collaborative initiative to build earthquake-resistant structures using local materials and traditional techniques
In a significant step toward strengthening seismic resilience in Herat, Afghanistan, a two-day earthquake-resistant construction training was recently conducted for local engineers. The sessions were delivered under Structural Seismic Reinforcement Training, bringing together project engineers from UNOPS and other implementing agencies, including UNDP. Led by Miyamoto International’s seismic engineering experts, the initiative focused on integrating earthquake-resistant design principles with culturally relevant, low-carbon building methods to improve vernacular housing resilience in the region.
From Theory to Practice: Seismic Engineering in Action
The training combined technical lectures on seismic response with immersive hands-on sessions delivered by a PhD-level engineer and a senior Afghan mason from the Miyamoto team. The goal was to bridge global seismic knowledge with traditional construction practices unique to Herat.
Participants explored key principles of earthquake engineering, examining how raw earth structures behave under seismic forces and what factors contribute to their vulnerability or resilience. A historical overview of raw earth construction was also presented, emphasizing Afghanistan’s long tradition of building with locally available materials. In addition, the sessions delved into the mechanical behaviors of raw earth materials, including compressive strength, stress response, and deformation, highlighting their performance under structural loads.
This theoretical foundation was crucial to understanding how to reinforce traditional homes without replacing them, preserving local identity while improving safety.
A senior Afghan mason from the Miyamoto team shows a testing method using raw earth.
Local Techniques in Seismic-Resistant Earth Construction
The practical segment of the training enabled engineers and builders to directly engage with the construction methods in use throughout Herat’s rural and peri-urban areas. Participants conducted field testing on raw earth, applied natural fiber additives to enhance structural integrity, produced adobe bricks, and experimented with various sample plaster compositions.
A major highlight was the introduction of a graphic seismic assessment tool developed by the Miyamoto team. This user-friendly, visual resource helps field engineers identify weaknesses in traditional structures and determine effective reinforcement or reconstruction strategies.
Adobe brick production with natural fibers during seismic training.
The tool supports assessments that consider:
- Seismic resilience of domical adobe forms, flat earthen roofs, and stone foundations.
- Thermal performance suited to Herat’s harsh seasonal temperatures
- Humidity regulation through raw earth’s natural hygroscopic behavior
- Resistance to local environmental hazards such as sandstorms, avalanches, and floods.
Importantly, it promotes long-lasting durability aligned with international building codes, without sacrificing local building techniques.
Participants learning with local engineers on seismic reinforcement using raw earth in Afghanistan.
Engineering Collaboration for Disaster Risk Reduction
By equipping local engineers with both modern seismic design training and traditional material knowledge, this initiative helps reduce disaster risk while honoring Afghanistan’s architectural heritage. The training represents a scalable model for climate-sensitive, low-carbon construction in earthquake-prone areas.
This impactful training was made possible through strong collaboration among global and local stakeholders. Contributors included Paolo Zorzoli, Noorullah Kuchai, and Ugyen Tenzey from UNOPS, alongside a multidisciplinary Miyamoto team: Hector Esteban, Giulia Jole Sechi, Qudratullah Zwak, Shahzar Zadran, Achyut Khanal, Mark Broughton, Amir Gilani, Adriana Navarro-Sertich, and Tejpal Bhardwaj.
UNOPS, UNDP, and Miyamoto: Building Safer Futures Together
This seismic training initiative reflects a shared commitment to community safety through capacity-building, knowledge transfer, and climate-adaptive construction. By integrating local expertise with modern seismic engineering, we are supporting long-term resilience for Afghan communities most vulnerable to earthquakes.
Learn more about Miyamoto International’s efforts in disaster risk reduction, resilient housing design, and sustainable construction at miyamotointernational.com.
