Structural Analysis of the Historical Sungurlu Clock Tower

Abstract

Background: The strength of historical buildings built in different centuries with various materials and construction techniques and harboring many structural problems depends on the structural system, geometrical condition, and material properties. Sungurlu clock tower, whose system and geometry are in good condition, has been damaged under environmental and climatic effects, earthquakes, and other loads, and has survived to the present day by preserving its structural integrity to a great extent with the repairs it has undergone. Methods: In addition to static analysis, the robustness and durability of the design of the tower were tested by dynamic analysis with the SAP2000 program. In the model that will represent the actual system behavior of the tower, the lengths of the elements; nodal points; bearings; joints; shapes such as bars, shells, and plates; characteristic values of the materials to be used; as well as the system, element sections, and all loads and combinations of masses or dynamic forces acting on the system are defined. Results: In the reports presented visually, the moment, shear force, axial forces, and other forces to which the tower was exposed after the architectural and structural problems were eliminated were seen in a diagram. Since the effects of the damage could not be predicted, in this study, to measure the reaction of the building against earthquakes and other loads, the numerical model representing its original condition was prepared and analyzed according to the theoretical method and assumptions made by the restitution, survey, and static observation reports. Conclusions: With this program, which allows for the preparation of this model, it was concluded that the loads coming to the structure according to the principles of ductility, rigidity, and strength could be safely transferred to the ground without causing damage to the structural system and its elements. From the deformation, stress, velocity, acceleration, and reaction force graphs obtained, it was understood that the tower exhibited the expected structural behavior under its own weight and live loads. The stress and reaction force graphs showed that the structural materials are adequate for the resistance of the structure and system against the existing loads and possible earthquakes.

Keywords

• restoration
• construction materials
• historical buildings
• finite elements
• seismic behavior
• analytical modeling