Examining the Dynamic Response of Classical Columns

Abstract

Ancient monuments have often sustained severe damage due to earthquakes. The examination of their dynamic behavior can reveal their vulnerability to different dynamic excitations. Ancient temples consisting of classical columns are of particular interest, due to their architectural features and complex geometry. The dynamic response of short free-standing classical columns is investigated in this study. Two small scale marble columns of the same size but with a different number of drums are subjected to harmonic, random and earthquake excitations. The effect of their geometrical features on their dynamic behavior is examined. Numerical models based on the finite element method can provide reasonable estimates of the dynamic response of classical columns but cannot predict all the attributes of their actual dynamic behavior.