Investigation of in-plane and out-of-plane wall behavior related to lateral loading depending on wall profiles and opening types in Hellenistic Towers

Abstract

Dry masonry wall profiles constructed without using bonding material between blocks are encountered in different building types dated to Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Depending on development of earthquake experiences, dry masonry wall profiles vary in terms of wall thickness, number of layers, relationship of layers and size, form, organization and relationship of blocks. In this study, the construction details increasing the structural strength in watch towers constructed in Hellenistic Period are aimed to be determined. This study is limited with investigation of effect of wall profiles and opening organizations on in-plane and out-of-plane wall behaviors under lateral loading. Primarily, wall profiles and opening types of dry masonry towers in ancient Caria, Pamphylia and Cilicia regions, that have not lost authenticity and integrity or had information about their authentic form, were documented. By using gathered data, hypothetic towers with different wall profiles and opening types are designed. To determine in-plane and out-of-plane wall behavior of hypothetic towers, simulation of quasi-static tilt analysis based on equilibrium were carried out, and form changes at walls and collapse angles of towers were identified. Wall profile and opening properties effecting on structural strength under lateral loading were determinedd.