Seismic Retrofitting of Flat Adobe Vaults in Historic Iranian Windcatchers Using Steel and FRP Bars: A Nonlinear Time-History Analysis Approach for Heritage Conservation
الموضوعات :
shima aghakasiri
1
,
Mehdi Shahraki
2
1 - Department of Civil Engineering, ST.C , Islamic Azad University, Teharn, Iran.
2 - Department of Civil Engineering, Zah.C., Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran.
الکلمات المفتاحية: Retrofitting, FRP parts, Flat adobe vault, Heritage conservation, Nonlinear time-history analysis,
ملخص المقالة :
The historic windcatcher structures (Āsbaads) of Qal’eh Machi in Sistan, Iran, exemplify the ingenuity of vernacular earthen construction in arid regions. Their flat adobe vaults, central to both structural form and passive cooling function, are increasingly threatened by seismic vulnerability and environmental degradation. Traditional retrofitting methods—such as external bracing or massive overlays—have often proven inadequate, not only due to their intrusive nature but also because they can alter the architectural identity and impose additional loads on the fragile adobe substrate.
To address these limitations, this study investigates the use of Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars as a modern seismic retrofitting solution. FRP systems offer several engineering advantages, including light weight, high tensile strength, and excellent durability against corrosion and moisture, making them highly compatible with adobe structures. The research employs nonlinear dynamic time-history analyses using calibrated finite element models in ABAQUS 2020, applying three real earthquake records (Sarpol-e Zahab, Tabas, and Northridge) representing both near- and far-field ground motions.
Findings demonstrate that FRP retrofitting reduces peak displacement and plastic strain by up to 54% and 48%, respectively, while also achieving up to 52% reduction in base shear. Compared to steel reinforcement, FRP systems consistently deliver better ductility, lower stiffness degradation, and greater energy dissipation under seismic loading. These results confirm that NSM-FRP retrofitting provides a structurally effective and minimally invasive strategy for protecting flat adobe vaults without compromising their architectural authenticity.
This study contributes to the field of heritage conservation engineering by validating a performance-based retrofitting framework that is context-sensitive, technically robust, and culturally appropriate for safeguarding traditional earthen architecture in earthquake-prone regions.
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