The overall earthquake response of Hakka Tulous, traditional earth
constructions of the Fujian Province (China) and listed among the UNESCO World
Heritage buildings, is investigated. Non-linear static analysis (pushover) with the
equivalent frame approach is used. Although some rough approximations are assumed, this
approach is well suited to model complex masonry structures, like Tulous. In fact, nonlinear analysis implemented by finite elements or by discrete elements would involve
complex models hard to converge and needing long computational time. After carrying out
seismic analysis of a Tulou prototype, its failure modes and overall seismic response were
evaluated. The Tulou has shown to have good earthquake resistance with respect to the
maximum seismic action that can be expected in the Fujian Province
