Seismic Strengthening of Arches at Mount Khajeh Using FRP Rebars Under the Sarpol-e Zahab Earthquake in Iran
Subject Areas : Seismic Analysis and Designmehdi shahraki 1 * , abolfazl miri 2
1 - Department of Civil Engineering, Zahedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran
2 - Department of Civil Engineering, Zahedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran
Keywords: Arch, Mount Khajeh, Retrofitting, FRP Rebar, Sarpol-e Zahab,
Abstract :
Masonry arches stand out as some of the most valuable, significant, and defining components of traditional Iranian architecture. These structures have been admired throughout history for their aesthetic appeal and structural resilience, earning recognition as masterpieces of architecture and civil engineering both in Iran and globally. The Mount Khajeh archaeological site, which includes the ancient Mount Khajeh Palace and Kafro Castle from the Parthian-Sassanid era, is located in the Mount Khajeh rural district, Hamoun County, Sistan and Baluchistan Province. The arches at this historical site represent some of the most essential and treasured elements of traditional Iranian structural design. However, no prior research has been conducted to assess the seismic impacts on these arches or to propose methods for their retrofitting. This study aimed to address this gap by first developing a general model in ABAQUS to analyze the overall behavior of a representative arch. The most critical section of the arch was then isolated and modeled as a sub-representative of the entire structure. Using a simplified micro-level approach, both frictional and cohesive behaviors were incorporated at the block-mortar interfaces. Time-history dynamic analysis was performed on the selected arch using acceleration records from significant global earthquakes and one event recorded in Iran. These records were sourced from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center's database. The findings reveal that, in terms of energy absorption, displacement, ductility, response modification factor, and maximum base shear, the first arch model demonstrates superior seismic resistance compared to two other arch models. Additionally, the results show that modeling and analyzing the arch in both its retrofitted and unstrengthen states significantly enhance its lateral load resistance, improve its seismic performance, and refine the crack distribution pattern. Furthermore, the application of the NSM-FRP strengthening technique minimizes damage and preserves the original appearance of the arch.
[1] Ahmadi, S., Meskin, H., & Rezalu, R. (2014). An analysis of Iranian arches with a special focus on five- and seven-centered arches. Proceedings of the First Scientific Research Congress on New Horizons in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Culture, and Urban Management in Iran, Tehran, Association for the Development and Promotion of Basic Sciences and Techniques.
[2] Shamsipoor Dehkordi, A., Jafari Farsani, M., & Naghdi Dorbati, Z. (2013). Stability of domes and arches with sustainable materials in traditional Iranian architecture. Proceedings of the First National Conference on Geography, Urban Planning, and Sustainable Development, Tehran, Komesh Environmental Association, University of Aviation Industry.
[3] Taifi Nasr-Abadi, A., & Rashidi Mehr-Abadi, M. H. (2008). Methods for retrofitting and strengthening adobe and masonry structures against earthquakes. Journal of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Special Issue 2, Fall 1387
[4] Frahad Akhoundi, Reza Mohammadpour, Yaser Shahbazi. Application of Near Surface Moumted (NSM) Technique Seismic Retrofitting of Heritage Building: Case Study of No.1 Educational Heritage Building of Tabriz Art University, Journal of Research on Archaeometry,2020; 6(1):97-118
[5] Pouraminian, M., & Sadeghi, A. (2010). Evaluation of the seismic behavior of Iranian circular arches and their analogues. Proceedings of the First National Conference on Structures, Earthquake, and Geotechnics, Babolsar, Iran.
[6] Karimi, A. H., & Eslami, A. (2017). Recognizing the structural behavior of conventional arches in traditional Iranian architecture. Proceedings of the 11th International Congress on Civil Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran.
[7] Radahmadi, M. (2018). Static analysis of Iranian arches underweight load using the finite element method. Proceedings of the 4th National Conference on Strengthening and Preservation of Permanent Buildings, Arak.
[8] Button, M. R., Cronin, C. J., & Mayes, R. L. (2002). Effect of vertical motions on seismic response of bridges. Journal of Structural Engineering, 128(12), 1551–1564.
[9] Pouraminian, M. (2022). Multi-hazard reliability assessment of historical brick minarets. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 7(1), 10.
[10] Usta, P. (2021). Assessment of seismic behavior of historic masonry minarets in Antalya, Turkey. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 15, e00665.
[11] Bahreini, V., Pouraminian, M., & Tabaroei, A. (2022). Seismic sensitivity analysis of Musa Palas historic masonry arch bridge by Tornado diagram. Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, 7(1), 71.
[12] Cachim, P.B., 2009. “Mechanical properties of brick aggregate concrete”. Construction and Building Materials, 23(3), pp. 1292-1297.
[13] Tighiouart, B., Benmokrane, B. and Mukhopadhyaya, P., 1999. “Bond strength of glass FRP rebar splices in beams under static loading”. Construction and Building Materials, 13(7), pp. 383-392.
[14] Seyedsjadi, S. M. (2019). Natural environment and ancient monuments of Sistan plain. Journal of Geographical Research, (56–57), 146–186.
[15] Akbarzadeh Morshedi, A., & Taghi Panahi, F. (2020). Experimental investigation of the behavior of brick masonry arches (vault and rib cover) unreinforced and reinforced with C-FRP under simultaneous vertical and horizontal loads. Advanced Research in Civil Engineering, 2(3), 41–50.
[16] Sakbana, A., & Mashreib, M. (2020). Finite Element Analysis of CFRP Reinforced Concrete Beams. Journal of Construction Engineering, 35, 148–169.