Seismic Vulnerability Of Iranian Historical Domes

Abstract

Iranian traditional domes are of the most notable samples of traditional construction in Iran spanning thousands of years, many of which have been standing on seismic parts of the country for many centuries. Structurally, Iranian domes can be categorised into single, double and triple-shell domes. Single-shell domes are the earliest type of domes. The single-shell is the main load bearing part. Double-shell domes consist of two shells, and they are divided into continuous and discontinuous types. In continuous double-shell domes the distance between the two shells is small and shells are connected by brick connectors. In discontinuous double-shell domes there is a considerable distance between the two shells. For the structural stability of some domes meridional walls or stiffeners are built in the space between the two shells. There are also a few domes with three shells. In this paper, structural systems of a number of Iranian historical domes made of masonry materials will be discussed and their structural strength and stability due to dynamic effects of earthquakes will be presented. The document will also explain the structural role of meridional stiffeners in double-shell domes.