Integration of reverse engineering and non-linear numerical analysis for the seismic assessment of historical adobe buildings

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims at presenting a methodology that integrates reverse engineering tools with a combination of advanced and simplified analytical methods to perform predictive analysis of the structural behavior of historical adobe buildings under seismic loads. This methodology proposes the joint use of terrestrial laser scanner and photogrammetry to obtain accurate geometrical models. The methodology also proposes the in-situ measurement of structural system properties through experimental modal tests. All the collected information is used to create representative Finite Element models which are then considered for performing predictive non-linear analyses and identifying the most probable collapse mechanisms. Limit analysis method is finally used to complement the analysis and to assess the structural performance of the adobe building under study considering different seismic scenarios. The methodology proposed in this paper is validated in the church of San Juan Bautista de Huaro, located in Cusco, Peru. This church was built in the 16th century and is known for its impressive mural paintings covering the entire indoor surface of the church. The results of the seismic assessment methodology proposed in this paper allowed to estimate the global behavior and possible damage patterns in the church during seismic events, showing that the most probable failure mechanisms would be the global rocking of the facade and the partial collapse of tympanum of the facade. The application of this methodology also allowed defining the performance levels of this church when facing different seismic scenarios. The results showed that the church should stay in a safe state until occasional earthquakes with a return period of 72 years. However, the results also indicate that rare earthquakes (return period of 475 years) will produce an unsafe structural condition with partial collapses of structural elements.