The impact of building proportions in the preservation of Algiers architectural heritage against the seismic hazards

According to seismic activity experts, the 1830–1930 architectural heritage of Algiers faces a serious vulnerability due to earthquake risk in the area of Algiers. Experts point out the acute sensibility of the masonry construction system to earthquakes. However, despite such vulnerability, this heritage is still standing in such a way that defies experts. This paper seeks to attest, through computer modeling, a new light on the impact of buildings architectural proportions upon their behavior during earthquakes.