A new journal paper co-authored by members of the S4H team has been published in Buildings. The study, authored by Dr. Shaghayegh Karimzadeh and Prof. Paulo B. Lourenço, in collaboration with Assoc. Prof. Pinar Usta, Ali Ekber Sever, Elifnur Şakalak investigates the seismic damage sustained by historical minarets during the 6 February 2023 M_w7.7 and M_w 7.6 Türkiye earthquakes.
Focusing on the iconic Four-Legged Minaret in Diyarbakır, the research employs nonlinear time-history analyses to examine its seismic response. The results show that the Pazarcık earthquake generated higher base shear forces and peak displacements than the Elbistan event, with critical stress concentrations developing at the transition between the base and the cylindrical body. The numerically predicted damage patterns are in strong agreement with post-earthquake field observations.
The study highlights the importance of site-representative seismic inputs and identifies critical vulnerable zones that should be prioritized in conservation and strengthening strategies for slender historical masonry structures.
For the full paper, please visit this link.