Estimating the Structural Characteristics of Historic Armenian Church Buildings and Examining Their Strengthening Applications

In Armenia, the rubble core method was used to build numerous extant churches, several of which are used daily. However, the country has a high risk of earthquakes, and some buildings are significantly likely to collapse owing to structural damage, including deterioration over time. In this study, detailed structural assessments of the deterioration of two typical churches were conducted. First, we discuss the on-site vibration measured and the vibration characteristics identified using a detailed three-dimensional structural analysis of the church of St. Hripsime. [1] The St. Hripsime church has large cracks inside and deterioration caused by water leaking from the inside due to the partial peeling of the south side wall surface. We infer that the vertical cracks observed in the niche may have been caused by previous small and medium-sized earthquakes. An analysis considering damage and deterioration quantitatively estimated a decrease in ultimate strength. Next, the vibration characteristics of Etchmiadzin Cathedral are presented, and the findings of a detailed structural characteristics analysis assuming damage and deterioration are described. The drums and domes of Etchmiadzin Cathedral are elongated compared to the substructure and have four independent pillars in the center. Finally, we discuss the results of an investigation of reinforcement plans focusing on the earthquake damage to the dome and the drum components of these churches.