Seismic vulnerability assessment of historical minarets in Cairo

A seismic vulnerability assessment of eight historic masonry minarets in Old Cairo revealed concerning susceptibility to earthquake damage, with vulnerability index values ranging from 10.3 to 26.1. The study utilized empirical methods and ambient vibration tests (AVTs) to evaluate the minarets' dynamic characteristics and develop vulnerability curves based on the EMS-98 intensity scale. These findings highlight the need for prioritized interventions to protect vulnerable structures, while also introducing a novel empirical period equation to estimate the fundamental period of minarets. The research underscores the importance of tailored seismic retrofitting strategies to preserve these cultural heritage assets for future generations.

Sallam, M. A., Hassan, H. M., Sayed, M. A., Abdel Hafiez, H. E., Zahra, H. S., & Salem, M. (2023). Seismic vulnerability assessment of historical minarets in Cairo. Geoenvironmental Disasters, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40677-023-00260-7