الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The present research work deals with an investigation of the behavior of old masonry structures under the effect of earthquake loads, with a special emphasis on minarets. Several major problems encountered in case of old minarets throughout Old Cairo have been selected for the study, and emphasis was placed on problems resulting from earthquake loading. The connection between the minaret body and the surrounding mosque walls under the mosque roof level is studied. Field observations are gathered from a typical monument (Umm As-Sultan Shaaban mosque, Qalaa’, Old Cairo) and the deterioration signs detected are documented. Earthquake analysis of the minaret and surrounding mosque structure is performed using the response spectrum technique to assess the causes of deterioration and the expected stress levels in case of an earthquake. Different finite element models are analyzed to determine the effect of the connection between the minaret body and the surrounding walls, and a comparison is made between the common rehabilitation strategy of inducing full separation between the minaret body and the walls, and the strategy of strengthening the connection between them. The study also addresses the structural earthquake resistance of the minaret top part, usually supported on masonry or marble columns. Since this part is almost totally damaged in most monumental mosques in Old Cairo, a study is made of the effect of reinforcing these columns, and directed towards the possible reconstruction of this top part of the damaged minarets. Application of the obtained analysis results in the strengthening of a typical mosque (Umm As-Sultan Shaaban mosque) in Old Cairo is documented. The results of the study are used to develop useful recommendations pertaining to the analysis and strengthening of old monumental minarets. |