Monumental Structures Research Articles

Collapse fragility analysis of historical masonry buildings considering in-plane and out-of-plane response of masonry walls.

This paper explores the seismic fragility assessment of historical masonry buildings in the context of performance-based earthquake engineering, using multiple-record incremental dynamic analyses (MR-IDA). The methodology is applied to two case studies, the first being a stiff monumental structure, and the second a tall and slender masonry building. Both case studies are modelled in the OpenSees software using three-dimensional macroelements that account for the in-plane (IP) and out-of-plane (OOP) response of masonry walls. Simultaneously, the numerical models account for the influence of non-linear connections in floor-to-wall interfaces and wall-to-wall interlocking. The record-to-record variability induced by the random nature of the ground motion is addressed through earthquake selection consistent with the variability of European hazard. Ground motion records are normalised at a uniform level of seismic intensity to be sequentially increased for the computation of IDA curves. Once IDA curves and fragility functions are derived, the failure results are thoroughly discussed. The fragility functions accounting for the uncertainties arising from the record-to-record variability are contrasted against the results of the seismic assessments affected by multiple sources of uncertainty in material and modelling parameters from a previous study. Finally, the fragility curves derived from the methodology presented herein are directly compared with fragility functions from probabilistic seismic demand analysis (PSDA). Overall, IDA-based fragility functions are found to provide more conservative predictions than the ones obtained from the cloud-based approach using unscaled records.

Experimental and finite element assessment of stabilizing configurations for underground heritage sites

Heritage sites in Alexandria, Egypt, are some of the UNESCO world heritage sites at high risk from geo-environmental hazards, in particular caused by sea level rise and heavy rain due to the climate change. Recently, safeguarding UNESCO world subterranean and built heritage draws more attention. After recent environmental catastrophies in Alexandria, sustainable conservation materials and stabilizing configurations of underground monumental structures has also become urgent and highly demanded. Based on typical damage due to the heavy weathering caused by the ground water table and salt, this paper offers a guide for engineers and conservators, where rock structures consolidation and stabilizing configurations to protect these structures in the static state and against strong seismic events is presented. In this paper, typical geotechnical problems and damage to the Catacombs of of Kom El-Shoqafa are presented first, followed by an experimental evaluation methodology that includes spectroscopic and morphological characterization in addition to the mechanical testing of untreated and treated rock samples with synthetic organosilicone and acrylic compounds. The effectiveness of the new silica-based consolidants was evaluated in terms of the amount of solid adsorbed, mechanical properties (e.g., surface hardness, ultrasonic velocity, modulus of elasticity and modulus of compressive strength), and resistance to salt crystallization. The treated groups showed better mechanical strength than the control group. The ability of the treated samples to resist climate change negative impact was also greatly improved. According to laboratory tests, new silica-based hardeners and hydrophobic materials have great potential for strengthening weathered Calcarenitic rock structures. It was observed that the rock samples containing the modified binder (MTMOS + Wacher BS 15) reach higher mechanical strength parameters. After the experimental study (testing procedures), FEM analysis was performed using PLAXIS 2D code to validate the silica-based consolidants and verify their efficiency in improving the response of rock structures in static and seismic states against strong earthquake events. The results of this work confirm the high potential of low-cost injection techniques and stabilizing configurations (pre- stressed anchors and concrete friction piles) technology, confirming the possibility of achieving significant improvement in the geotechnical properties of Calcarenitic rock structures and enhancing the seismic performance of underground archaeological structures using low-cost injection technology that is easy to manufacture.

Archaeological research on the Kanka fortress city: between nomads and farmers

The settlement of Kanka is one of the largest urban centres on the right bank of the Syrdarya. It comprises a citadel, three shakhristans, each surrounded on three sides by defensive walls, and a suburb of rabad. The fourth side of the settlement bordered the riverbank, along which a wall also ran. A significant object, discovered during the excavations of Shakhristan 1 was the city temple, which was a large monumental structure. The core of the temple complex was a square hall surrounded by bypass corridors. The walls of the temple were decorated with paintings and relief moldings. New research in the settlement was conducted on the eastern part of the city temple, the supposed entrance part site of the temple complex. The archaeological excavations at the Kanka monument have yielded insights into the lifestyle of an outpost city situated at the border of the territories of nomads, pastoralists, and farmers in ancient Central Asia. The findings indicate that ancient nomadic populations likely played a significant role in the dissemination of scientific progress. Through their extensive migrations and cultural interactions, they could have served as conduits for exchanging knowledge and technological innovations among disparate regions.

An Integrated Petrographic, Geomatic and Geophysical Approach for the Characterization of the Carbonate Rocks of the Calcari di Cagliari Formation

Non-invasive techniques, such as close-range photogrammetry (CRP) and 3D ultrasonic tomography complemented with optical and scanning electron microscopy and mercury porosimetry, were applied to characterize the carbonate rock samples of the Calcari di Cagliari formation. The integrated approach started with the computation of high-resolution 3D models of the carbonate samples using the CRP technique to produce 3D high-resolution models texturized both with natural colors and intensity. Starting from the 3D models from previous techniques, a 3D ultrasonic tomography on each rock sample was accurately planned and carried out in order to detect the elastic properties of such rocks and relate them to textural heterogeneity or internal defects. The results indicate that the relationship between longitudinal velocity and rock properties is complex even in the same carbonate formation. Understanding the relationship between the geomatic and geophysical responses in the investigated rock properties, such as textural characteristics and especially structure and geometry of pores, type of pores, tortuosity and cementing material, is important for many practical applications and especially in the diagnostic process of the conservation state of monumental structures. The integration of the above non-invasive techniques complemented by petrographical–petrophysical data proved to be a powerful method to associate each lithotype with a different susceptibility to degradation. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the proposed integrated use of complementary methodologies would guarantee the reproducibility of the measurements both at the laboratory and field scale for the monitoring in time of the rock condition while giving a useful contribution in making decisions on an appropriate remedial strategy.

Coastal Erosion and Military Heritage in Latvia

Water often needs protection, but heritage can also require protection from water. The remains of a military fortification complex in the Latvian city of Liepāja are slowly being swallowed by the sea, a case where military heritage meets water heritage. To what extent should these ruins be protected from water and is preservation still possible? Both the coastal defense structures and the sea have been considered symbols of the city, attracting locals and visitors. Yet, over time, the monumental structures have been threatened by environmental challenges triggered by rising sea levels and ongoing coastal erosion. This has led to the deterioration of the structures and the loss of their structural integrity. Although the effects of the natural processes cannot be prevented entirely, they could be delayed. However, the rapidly deteriorating state of the coastal military structures has not resulted in a sense of urgency among local authorities. The article highlights the importance of the military structures in the local context as military, cultural heritage and the water challenges faced by the coastal defense line. It also explores the potential for, and impediments to, the structures’ preservation.

XRF Analysis of Village and Urban Basalt Architecture in the Hippos Territorium during the Roman Period

AbstractThis case study examines the use of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) as an effective method for defining distinct chemical compositions of local basalt stone from different sources in the Roman period, even when their quarries have not been identified. It also deals with the archaeological question if public and monumental structures from a village and urban site shared the same stone sources and stonemason's workshops. Ninety‐six samples from the Hippos Territorium, mainly from the polis of Hippos and the village of Majduliyya, were analyzed. XRF was found to be an effective method for defining distinct chemical compositions of local basalt materials from different sources. The distinct composition of the basalt stones between the two sites provided valuable insights into socio‐economic relationships, shedding light on the nature of city–village dynamics in the region. Additionally, it aids in discerning whether diverse basalt sources were utilized in both private and public constructions, as well as installations within a single site. Methodological questions and the application of this method in the archaeological research of basalt‐based architecture are also addressed.

Features of the architecture of nuclear power plants

The article analyses the peculiarities of the specific industrial landscape of nuclear power plants on the basis of domestic and foreign experience and highlights the importance of adapting these industrial complexes with a heavy technological regime to modern architectural post-industrial requirements. The architecture of nuclear power plants (hereinafter referred to as NPPs) is often a subject of debate. Some people believe that NPPs are a symbol of technological progress and should be presented as monumental structures. Others believe that NPPs are potentially dangerous facilities and should be built in a more modest style. Most industrial facilities, such as NPPs, were built in the industrial era and do not meet the requirements of the post-industrial era in terms of environmental friendliness, adaptability and architectural coherence. This is due to the duration of their construction and the environment in which they are located. Therefore, they need to be modernised. Analysing the architectural features of nuclear power plants, the author has determined that, regardless of the architectural style, NPPs usually have several common features, namely: large, monumental buildings that emphasise their importance, features that reflect their technological nature, such as cooling towers and reactor units. Due to the regional location, NPPs have their own peculiarities in composition and architectural decoration, which can not only modernise the appearance, but also depict elements of national identification. Due to their location on the ground, in a certain established natural environment, NPPs require a large amount of water resources due to the peculiarities of the heavy technological regime (reactor type) that takes place at the enterprise, so they are located on the ground near water bodies and reservoirs, and sometimes absorb entire rivers and lakes for the needs of technological processes. The mountainous terrain factor is equally important. It affects the architectural landscape of NPPs and their authenticity. Equally important is the period in which the plant was designed and built, as nuclear power is an important economic and political component of the country where it is produced. In terms of form, space and volume solutions, typology, and architectural and planning principles, it is possible to draw an analogy with the stage of development of a state.

Muslim Holy Sites in the Southern Urals: geoinformation mapping and spatial analysis

In the last decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old and to form new holy places revered by Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by the residents of small villages, but some have acquired great importance for Muslims throughout the region. The purpose of this work is to identify the most popular places of worship of Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity. The study supposed the Geoinformation methods to be used. Thus, using free Quantum GIS software, and on the basis of archival materials, archaeologists’, ethnographers’, religious scholars’, culturologists’ groundwork, as well as referring to the materials of Internet communities and other open sources, we have created the following layers: 1) Mausoleums, 2) Places of worship according to the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, 3) Places of worship according to the Internet community Sufi RB, 4) Religious tourist routes. Using a comparative method, it was determined that the most popular among Muslims in the region are the mausoleum of Hussein-Bey and Mount Narystau (Ilchigulovo IV, kurgan burial ground). The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors: they can be identified as the presence of a monumental structure, the representation of the object in the media space and in the Internet, as well as the availability of objective scientific data about it.

A Study of Ancient Indian Astronomy through Architectural Marvels

Ancient Indian astronomy has a rich legacy that spans millennia, encompassing intricate observations, advanced calculations, and skillful implementations. This review article explores the intersection of astronomy and architectural marvels in ancient India. By examining the architectural marvel, the profound astronomical knowledge embedded within its design and construction is inspected. The study aims to unveil the celestial alignments, geometric patterns, and symbolic representations reflecting the deep understanding of cosmic phenomena of ancient Indian astronomers and architects. With this review, through a comprehensive analysis of the temple’s architectural elements, it is expected to gain insights into the intricate methods employed by ancient Indians to encode astronomical principles into monumental structures and the cultural significance of these celestial pursuits.

Study of the construction techniques, materials and architectural prospectives of ancient monumental structures in Allahabad City, India

This research examines the construction methodologies, materials, and architectural principles employed in creating ancient monumental structures in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), India. Despite being erected over 600 years ago, these structures stand resiliently among the evolution of modern construction techniques and seismic safety standards. The history of Prayagraj can be traced back to ancient times. The city was initially referenced in the ancient Hindu scriptures, known as the Vedas, as a sacred destination. Further, established by the Mughal Empire under Akbar’s reign in 1583, Allahabad City witnessed the construction of numerous monumental structures using robust techniques involving stone, brick masonry, and timber materials bonded together with thin mortar and plaster. Many of these ancient edifices, erected during this period, continue to serve various functions today, reflecting the enduring craftsmanship of their builders. In this study, we have identified prestigious monuments for examination, utilizing visual inspection to gain deeper insights into the emphasized construction materials and techniques. Notably, mortar is a critical component in construction and structural connections. Furthermore, our investigation reveals the diverse range of materials utilized for binding, plastering, painting, and other decorative purposes during construction. However, it is evident that some of these monuments have endured significant wear and tear over time, resulting in major cracks and damage to their structural elements and construction materials. Through this exploration, we aim to unveil the intricate craftsmanship and architectural brilliance that characterize Allahabad’s ancient monumental structures, while also highlighting the preservation challenges posed by ageing and environmental factors.

A Study of Ancient Indian Astronomy through Architectural Marvels

Ancient Indian astronomy has a rich legacy that spans millennia, encompassing intricate observations, advanced calculations, and skillful implementations. This review article explores the intersection of astronomy and architectural marvels in ancient India. By examining the architectural marvel, the profound astronomical knowledge embedded within its design and construction is inspected. The study aims to unveil the celestial alignments, geometric patterns, and symbolic representations reflecting the deep understanding of cosmic phenomena of ancient Indian astronomers and architects. With this review, through a comprehensive analysis of the temple's architectural elements, it is expected to gain insights into the intricate methods employed by ancient Indians to encode astronomical principles into monumental structures and the cultural significance of these celestial pursuits.

From Temples to Theaters: Unveiling the Layers of Life in Classical Greece and Rome through Architectural Typologies

This research comprehensively explores the architectural legacies of Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, delving into the innovative concepts of order in Greek architecture and the classical orders of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Parthenon, an iconic Greek temple, serves as an exemplar of these orders, highlighting aesthetic and structural ideals. Beyond temples, Greek architecture embraces diverse typologies like marketplaces, theaters, palaestrae, bouleuterions, and auditoriums. Shifting focus to Roman civilization renowned for grandeur and gladiatorial spectacles, the paper examines architectural contributions and monumental structures, exemplified by the Pantheon's innovative material usage and dome construction. The exploration extends to various Roman typologies, including theaters, amphitheaters, thermae, and aqueducts, revealing the multifaceted nature of Roman urban planning. Chronologically tracing Greek architectural evolution, the paper examines the Parthenon's construction and refinements. Greek typologies such as theaters, agora, stoae, palaestra, and bouleuterion are scrutinized for cultural significance and civic importance. Transitioning to Roman architectural developments, the paper highlights contributions, innovations, and monumental structures defining Roman civilization. Roman thermae and aqueducts emerge as engineering marvels, underscoring sophistication in public spaces. Surviving structures in the Roman Forum symbolize Roman achievements. This exploration aims to unravel intricate connections between the built environment and socio-cultural, political, and economic dynamics in both ancient societies. The legacy of Greek and Roman architecture, seen in temples, public spaces, and cultural hubs, leaves an indelible mark on history, offering insights into collective identities and aspirations of classical antiquity. Key Words: Architectural Legacies, Classical Orders, Greek Typologies, Roman Urban Planning, Socio-cultural Dynamics

GEOINFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE STUDY OF MUSLIM HOLY SITES IN THE SOUTHERN URALS

In the recent decade, there has been a tendency in the Southern Urals to reconstruct old holy places and to form new ones revered by the Muslims. To date, more than 115 such objects have been recorded. Most of them are revered only by residents of small villages, but some have become important for the Muslims throughout the region.
 
 The purpose of the study is to determine the most popular places of worship for the Muslims in the Southern Urals. Considering that some of the objects of regional importance have been revered by the Muslims since the XIV century, and others, having appeared relatively recently, quickly became one of the most visited places, it is necessary to determine the factors influencing the growth of this popularity.
 
 Historiographical base of the study. The research team analyzed the works of domestic and foreign authors, which mainly describe the conditions of the studied objects, religious rituals, organized events, etc. In addition, it was possible to attract the experience of researchers in implementing projects in geoinformation systems in religious studies.
 
 Materials and methods of the study. Geoinformation methods were used for the study. Based on archival materials, developments of archaeologists, ethnographers, theologians, culture experts, materials of Internet communities and other open sources, as well as the free cross-platform geoinformation system Quantum GIS, we have created the following layers: 1) mausoleums; 2) places of worship according to the data given by Russia’s Central Spiritual Governance for the Muslims; 3) places of worship according to the Internet community in the social network VKontakte Sufi RB; 4) religious tourist routes.
 
 Study results. Thanks to the use of geoinformation systems, it was possible to identify the most popular holy places among the Muslims of the Southern Urals. It is established that the most actively visited objects are the mausoleum of Hussein Bey in Chishminsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan and the Ilchigulovo-IV burial mound (the sacred mountain Narystau) in Miyakinsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
 
 Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the popularity of objects is influenced by a number of factors, among which the presence of a monumental structure, representation of the object in the media space and the Internet, as well as availability of objective scientific data about it are of key importance.

19. Yüzyılda Batılı Seyyahların Gözüyle Bursa Hisar Bölgesi

The territories once occupied by the Ottoman Empire, replete with cultural abundance, have perennially captivated the attention of explorers. Bursa stands as a quintessential city, epitomizing the cultural opulence of the Ottoman heritage. With this value, Bursa has attracted the attention of foreign travelers for centuriesand travelers have visited this city for various reasons. Visits began in the 15th century, increased in the 19th centuryand many diplomats, merchantsand scientists came to the city. Most of the travelers who came also explored and researched the Hisar District, the historical center of Bursa.
 When looking at the 19th century, it becomes evident that, just as in previous centuries, the Hisar District, in addition to the city's overall social life and cultural wealth, has garnered the interest of travelers. Within the societal urban structure of Hisar, historical edifices, its architectural fabric, monumental structures, the fort's layout, religious establishmentsand other social constructs have amplified this interest. For this reason, the district is deemed significant by these travelers. They have articulated their perspectives about the Hisar District in their travelogues. Furthermore, travelers have elaborated on the Hisar District's physical structures, its history, architectureand artistic attributes in their writings.

Plants as Symbols of Power in the Achaemenid Iconography of Ancient Persian Monuments

The art of the Achaemenid Empire flourished in Ancient Persia from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, and featured stone-carved monumental structures adorned with recurring zoological and floral patterns. Such representations clearly had a symbolic meaning intimately connected to religious expression and the will of deities. Considering the lack of any comprehensive analysis of botanical features, we investigate the recurring plant patterns and the variety of plants depicted. An analysis of the documentation referring mainly to monuments in the two main capitals of Darius I, Persepolis and Susa, showed the presence of certain repetitive elements, such as the so-called rosettes (composed variously of Asteraceae capitula and Nymphaea flowers), palms (Phoenix dactylifera, the tree of life), pines, flowers or bunches and metamorphic elements. Some plants are described in this paper for the first time in the context of Persian iconography, such as Mandragora officinalis in offering scenes as a symbol of fertility and protection against evil spirits, Pinus brutia var. eldarica as a symbol of immortality and elevation to the gods, and the capitula of Matricaria/Leucanthemum as solar symbols. Further interesting elements include cf. Myrtus communis in some crowns and probably cf. Ephedra sp. in offering scenes. Achaemenid art was deeply influenced by the Zoroastrian religion of ancient Persia with its great attention to nature as well as by the nearby civilizations of the Mesopotamian area and Egypt. Most elements were also associated with psychotropic or medicinal attributes, which contributed to their position as symbols of power.

Balanced Definition of Thresholds for Mode Tracking in a Long-Term Seismic Monitoring System

The catastrophic events of recent years have strengthened the awareness of the fragility of the built heritage and the importance of careful and targeted maintenance. This, in combination with the development of modern techniques for the analysis of large datasets, has favoured the diffusion of long-term seismic monitoring systems for the protection of structures. In the field of structural health monitoring, data-driven techniques allow crucial information to be extracted from measurements without the need to model the physical phenomena involved, circumventing potential limitations that may arise. On the other hand, however, the results of data-driven approaches are based entirely on the measured structural response; this is why a high reliability of the procedure for extracting diagnostic parameters is essential. In this perspective, a Mode Tracking procedure is proposed to obtain coherent time histories of the modal frequencies of a structure as environmental conditions vary. The procedure is applied to the Sanctuary of Vicoforte, an important monumental structure located in Piedmont, known for its imposing oval dome and characterized by a permanent structural monitoring system. This study aims to disentangle the frequency time series and obtain a rigorous database on which to set up damage identification processes.

Pluvial Flood Risk Assessment in Urban Areas: A Case Study for the Archaeological Site of the Roman Agora, Athens

Ancient monuments located in urbanized areas are subject to numerous short- and long-term environmental hazards with flooding being among the most critical ones. Flood hazards in the complex urban environment are subject to large spatial and temporal variability and, thus, require location-specific risk assessment and mitigation. We devise a methodological scheme for assessing flood hazard in urban areas, at the monument’s scale, by directly routing rainfall events over a fine-resolution digital terrain model at the region of interest. This is achieved using an open-source 2D hydraulic modelling software under unsteady flow conditions, employing a scheme known as ‘direct rainfall modelling’ or ‘rain-on-grid’. The method allows for the realistic representation of buildings and, thus, is appropriate for detailed storm-induced (pluvial) flood modelling in urbanized regions, within which a major stream is usually not present and conventional hydrological methodologies do not apply. As a case study, we perform a pilot assessment of the flood hazard in the Roman Agora, a major archaeological site of Greece located in the center of Athens. The scheme is incorporated within an intelligent decision-support system for the protection of monumental structures (ARCHYTAS), allowing for a fast and informative assessment of the flood risk within the monument’s region for different scenarios that account for rainfall’s return period and duration as well as uncertainty in antecedent wetness conditions.

Оконное стекло с поселения Горзувиты и Мангупского городища в Крыму: химический состав, происхождение и хронология в историко-культурном контексте

Chemical composition of 39 window panes of the Early and Middle Byzantine periods was studied with SEM-EDS technique. They originate from the Gorzuvity settlement in the Crimea Southern coast with the ruins of two churches, and Mangup, the largest medieval fortress in the SW Crimea. The presence of glass of groups Foy-3.2/2.1 and HIMT suggests that the earliest structures with glazed windows could have emerged on Mangup in the 5th century at the latest — i. e., before the construction of the Byzantine fortress. A homogenous composition of glass from Gorzuvity suggests a single period of glazing windows of structures existing here — the “lower” church with a shrine dated probably to the 11th century (terminus ante quem for the church construction) and some stone structures at the settlement. 37 samples represent natron glass of the Egyptian origin. Most of window panes are related to the 9th—10th/11th cc. Their glass belongs to the series Foy-2.2, the result of the recycling of the earlier glass of the 2nd half of the 5th/6th — mid-7th centuries (series Foy-2.1). It suggests that the remains of monumental structures of the early Byzantine period (window panes and probably tesserae) were used as raw materials during the construction campaign at Gorzuvity and Mangup in the middle Byzantine period. Two fragments from Mangup of mixed-alkali composition originate from the contexts of the 15 th c., where they could get from disturbed earlier deposits.

Sign-symbol Systems in Artistic Practices of Ukrainian Artists of the 1960-1970s, Based on the Example of the Monumental and Decorative Panels by Oleg Yerzhykivsky

The purpose of the research is to analyze the parallels between the monumental art of Ukrainian artists of the 1960s and 1970s and world graphic design. Research methods consist in the application of formal and stylistic analysis of works of art, as well as general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis of new materials introduced into scientific circulation. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the stylistic performance of unstudied enough objects of monumental and decorative art was analyzed. Achievements in the creation of symbolic and design systems were compared. The main common conceptual approaches in creation, the similarity of thematic directions and stylistic approaches are identified, the differences of the visual language due to various performance techniques are diagnosed. The photos from a private family archive have been made public for the first time. Conclusions. Despite the general ideological engagement of the Soviet artistic environment in the 1960s and 1970s, there were works that were ahead of their time and used the material resources of the USSR-Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic to create works on universally important topics (culture, science, technology, history). Such are Oleg Yerzhykivsky’s panels for monumental structures created by him during his work in 1963-1969 at ZNDIEP (Kyiv Zonal Research Institute of Experimental Design of Residential and Public Buildings), which can be attributed to urban identity devoid of any propaganda communist color in the subject, but rather devoted to civilizational values. Using the achievements of the creation of sign and symbolic systems of previous historical periods, the master managed to create his own stylistic system, which exists outside of time and a specific state or social order. From a formative point of view, the analyzed panels gravitate towards the visual language of graphic design, predicting such genre sectors as identity, brand books, navigation systems for public spaces, mascots for brands, etc. The common features established by this study are: laconic image, condensation of graphic expression, development of a system of signs perceived at the level of conventional symbols, use of elementary modular grid for arrangement of visual elements and creation of patterns (prefabricated plate technology).

Finite element analysis of a 108-year-old unreinforced brick masonry tower following the 2015 Nepal earthquakes

After a visual inspection following the 2015 Nepal earthquakes, a finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted on a 108-year-old unreinforced brick masonry tower. The focus of study was on the brick masonry clock tower standing at a height of 30.48 m on the Senate Hall (SH) building of Allahabad University in India. This tower, which spans five storeys and features a rectangular cross-sectional shape, exhibits substantial cracks and material degradation across its connections and binding points. The process involved creating geometric plans and a 3D finite-element model through visual inspection and implementing ANSYS Workbench. The study utilised the mechanical properties of the aged materials, sourced from various studies encompassing surveys of old monumental structures, codes, and historical records. The clock tower’s behaviour was assessed through static, modal, and site-specific simulated time history analyses. The static analysis results revealed a maximum deflection of 3.76 mm at the top and a maximum equivalent (von-Mises) stress of 1.81 MPa at the joint of the first-floor level. Modal frequencies for the first three modes were determined to understand the tower’s free vibration behaviour. The time history analyses presented the acceleration, velocity, and displacement response under a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 1.29 m/s2 simulated for the site. The dynamic analysis highlighted stress responses in critical locations, exposing severe cracks and damages across various points.