Low cost seismic constructions: design and dissemination in developing socio-economic areas

The paper describes a procedure for establishing and disseminating a sustainable technique for the construction of low-cost seismic structures, by using reinforced bamboo elements. The procedure is illustrated via the example of a small public building, suitable for use as a primary school or health centre. Furthermore, on the basis of sociolinguistic investigations, we propose a multi-pronged strategy for disseminating specific technical knowledge, involving different means of communication, and including various types of linguistic acts, that are appropriate to the various socio-economic segments identified in the local population.