SEISMIC EVALUATION OF MASONRY MONUMENTS THROUGH THE UTILIZATION OF IN SITU MEASUREMENTS CASE STUDY ON A BYZANTINE BASILICA

Abstract

This study develops an approach to examine parameters that are used for the estimation of seismic loads for

historic buildings. A literature review is presented, and data from the literature and laboratory tests are used

to assess the provisions that should be satisfied after the restoration of such buildings. In the analysis, frames

with nonlinear properties that model stone masonry plain frames are used to estimate the equivalent seismic

acceleration that these frames can resist. To investigate the response of masonry monuments to strong

earthquakes, the observed response of many temples is considered during seven earthquakes in Greece, and

the response spectra are defined for equivalent damping levels of 5%, 10%, and 20%. The aforementioned

approaches are used to examine the possibility of further reducing the considered seismic loads for the

evaluation of these structures. Alternative methods for the justified reduction of the seismic force by

increasing the behavior factor are proposed. Finally a case study is presented on the initial contsruction stage

of a byzantine basilica. In this case, the observed failure of the main roof of the temple and the limitation of

damages to the rest of the structure thanks to the use of the findings of the present research is justified.