Field Observation and Vulnerability Assessment of Gonbad-e Qābus
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 23, Issue 4
Abstract
Gonbad-e Qābus, with a height of 52.8 m that makes it the tallest pure-brick tower in the world, located in the northern part of Iran, represents one of the most magnificent structures of the early Islamic centuries. This structure is still standing among the chaos of urban life and construction, catching the eyes of beholders even from far distances. This paper summarizes the historical and architectural background of this monumental structure and the important restorations carried out mainly in the past century. Various types of existing and potential structural and architectural damages are classified and elaborated in detail, and for each problem, a series of proposed solutions are presented. Utilizing the nonlinear finite-element simulations and equivalent lateral static force method, it is concluded that Gonbad-e Qābus is vulnerable to seismic demands with a return period of 475 years; therefore, retrofit strategies should be considered to improve its seismic performance.
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Acknowledgments
The authors express their gratitude for technical assistance provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in approving Gonbad-e Qābus as a world heritage site as “36COM 8B.24-Cultural Properties-Gonbad-e Qābus.” Appreciation is also extended to ICHHTO for their help in fulfilling this national duty. The authors also thank Dr. Mohammad Hassan Talebian, Hamid Omrani Rakavandi, Gorgan Organization of Tourism, Handicrafts and Cultural Heritage, Dr. Jebrail Nokandeh, Jamile Porghasem, Ehsan Ervani, Dr. Rasoul Vatandoust, Dr. Peyman Homami, and Dr. Mansour Falamaki for their major contributions in conducting the inspectional studies on Gonbad-e Qābus. The comments of the anonymous reviewers, which greatly improved the quality of this paper, are highly valued.
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Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 23 • Issue 4 • December 2017
Copyright
© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 18, 2016
Accepted: Mar 23, 2017
Published online: Aug 31, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jan 31, 2018
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