Earthquake simulation on historic masonry minaret

3rd International Civil Engineering and Architecture Conference, Trabzon, Türkiye, 12 - 14 Ekim 2023, cilt.1, ss.1798-1806, (Tam Metin Bildiri)

Purpose: This study endeavors to forecast the response of historically modeled masonry minarets when subjected to

specific earthquake loading scenarios, and to assess the potential structural damage that could result from such

Design/Methodology/Approach: The reconstruction of a particular historic masonry minaret in 3D was meticulously

executed using BLENDER®, guided by an architectural project as reference. Each structural element was faithfully

replicated in one-to-one dimensions. To simulate earthquake motion, the completed model was subjected to seismic

forces using the Bullet Constraints Builder add-on. Material properties were meticulously assigned to each component

of the minaret utilizing the same add-on. Furthermore, interconnections between these building components were

established through the use of this tool. Subsequently, the comprehensive minaret model was transferred to ANSYS®

for a time-history analysis, and the ensuing results were then compared to the simulations previously conducted within

BLENDER®.

Findings: The simulation results indicated that, subsequent to the earthquake loading, there was no significant

structural damage in the rostrum, transition section, and polygonal shaft portions of the masonry minaret. However,

in alignment with the ANSYS® analysis, severe damage was indeed observed in the upper section of the minaret.

Originality: This study contributes by shedding light on potential structural damage caused by earthquake loading

on historic masonry minarets. It identifies the vulnerable sections of these structures, allowing for informed decisions

regarding pre- and post-earthquake measures for the preservation of masonry minarets.

Keywords: Time-History analysis; Earthquake simulation; Historic masonry minaret