Planning a Relocation Method to Preserve Structural Integrity During the Holistic Relocation of Historical Buildings

Architectural assets, regarded as the common heritage of the whole of humanity, can be passed onto following generations without losing their structural integrity and authentic architectural characteristics by means of conservation and preservation activities. Although the historical, aesthetic, and authenticity values of architectural heritage come into greater prominence than many other criteria, and require preservation in the locations they were originally constructed in, some factors make this impossible. Where there is no other choice, relocation of historical buildings to a new location is today accepted as one of the preservation methods. Owing to their nonlinear material properties, the relocation of historical buildings that are constructed with a brick or stone masonry system creates a serious risk as regards to their structural integrity. The process is planned and the optimum method of relocation is specified according to the geometric and material properties of the historical buildings. This study examined the structural integrity problems that may occur due to possible human- or nature-caused geometrical irregularities during relocation. Numerical models and analysis obtained by the finite element method are used in order to determine the possible results of these unexpected cases within the scope of the proposed relocation scenario. The inspiration for the numerical models and relocation scenario was drawn from an endangered monument: “Orta Kapi” (the Middle Door) in Hasankeyf, which will be flooded soon due to an ongoing dam construction project. Findings of this study could help the planning of relocation methods that can enable more suitable executions of architectural heritage preservation by relocation.