Seismic vulnerability and dynamic response of the minaret of Sidi M’hammed Cherif Mosque: insights from a detailed finite element model

A novel approach combining Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has successfully quantified the seismic vulnerability of the Sidi M’hammed Cherif Mosque minaret, a UNESCO-listed structure within the Kasbah of Algiers. The study identified critical damage zones at the base and geometric discontinuities, with numerical results aligning closely with observed damage patterns. This restoration-oriented methodology establishes a reproducible framework for assessing slender masonry heritage structures in seismic-prone regions like Algeria, addressing a significant gap in research on Maghreb historic architecture. By integrating seismic risk assessment into conservation planning, the study offers evidence-based recommendations to enhance resilience and inform ongoing restoration efforts.

Alliche, S., Si Youcef, Y., & Horra, B. E. M. (2026). Seismic vulnerability and dynamic response of the minaret of Sidi M’hammed Cherif Mosque: insights from a detailed finite element model. Budownictwo I Architektura / Civil and Architectural Engineering, 25(3), 26043. https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.8876