Seismic Behavior of Masonry Minaret: A Nonlinear Analysis of the Tabačica Mosque Minaret Using Extreme Loading for Structures Software
摘要
Experimental studies of masonry structures during earthquakes are challenging due to the stochastic nature of seismic excitation and the complex conditions of experimental testing. As a result, the development of numerical methods, once calibrated with experimental data, proves to be highly effective in engineering applications. This paper investigates the behavior of masonry structures under seismic loading, specifically focusing on the collapse of the stone minaret of the Tabačica mosque in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Using nonlinear analysis simulated with Extreme Loading for Structures software, a time-history analysis with ten different earthquake records is performed to assess the impact of seismic events. It aims to determine the peak ground acceleration (PGA) values that lead to minaret collapse and evaluate the effectiveness of strengthening measures on the minaret’s load-bearing capacity. A strong correlation is found between the first natural frequency obtained from on-site investigations and the results from modal analysis, providing a robust foundation for the seismic assessment of the minaret. Significant stress concentrations were identified in transition zones, which were critical initiation points for the collapse. Additionally, the study demonstrates that Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems substantially improve the minaret's stability and load-bearing capacity against seismic forces.