Site Specific Hazard Assessment and Multi-Level Seismic Performance Evaluation of Historical Mosque

Abstract

This study highlights the continued need for numerical simulation methods to predict the earthquake response and damage of masonry mosques, despite recent advances in research. The Kamanlı Masonry Mosque in İzmir, Turkey was selected as a case study for this purpose. A probabilistic seismic hazard analysis was conducted using a uniform Poisson process model with 50-year probabilities of 2%, 10%, and 50%. Earthquakes from seismic sources were excluded based on time and distance, and the annual recurrence relationships of the source areas were determined using the least squares method. The non-linear response of a masonry mosque was investigated using the discrete element approach to study the impact of site conditions on its structural performance. Nonlinear dynamic analyses were conducted using records representing seismic events with 475- and 72-year return periods. The results indicated that the mosque is highly vulnerable to earthquakes, as the 475-year records resulted in significant damage and partial collapse. Damage indicators were employed to assess the response to the 72-year records, highlighting the most vulnerable areas that should be prioritized in any restoration efforts.