Assessment of the seismic vulnerability index of three Moorish houses in the Albayzín, Granada (Spain)

Abstract Granada, located in Andalusia (Spain), boasts a rich cultural, historical, and architectural heritage. Internationally renowned for the Alhambra, Granada holds a unique place in history. While much of the Muslim legacy has been lost to time, traces of this former grandeur remain, particularly in the Albayzín, the city’s original core included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, where many earthen residential buildings still stand today. This study assesses the seismic vulnerability of three listed Moorish houses, particularly given the seismic activity in this region. Built with rammed earth bearing walls, timber floors and roofs, these houses are, or have been, the subject of a rehabilitation or renovation project. The seismic vulnerability evaluation was conducted using the SVIVA method, “Seismic Vulnerability Index for Vernacular Architecture,” which quantifies the seismic quality of vernacular residential buildings through a vulnerability index that considers the geometric, structural and construction characteristics that may influence the seismic performance, based on ten key parameters. The research identifies the critical factors affecting the overall structural response of these buildings, providing a valuable reference for similar heritage houses in the region. It also stresses the importance of performing a comprehensive assessment prior to undertaking any rehabilitation, renovation or repair intervention.