Seismic Assessment of the World’s Tallest Pure-Brick Tower Including Soil-Structure Interaction

A seismic assessment of the Gonbad-e Qabus tower, the world's tallest pure-brick structure, reveals significant vulnerability to earthquakes. The study found that low-frequency seismic records induce higher displacements and stresses than high-frequency ones, with maximum displacements reaching 27.57 cm during the Loma-Yerba earthquake. Stress contours exceeded the compressive and tensile strength of the tower's materials, indicating a critical need for seismic rehabilitation. Researchers employed finite-element modeling, nonlinear dynamic analysis, and experimental tests to determine mechanical properties of masonry blocks and surrounding soil, providing insights into the structure's performance under various seismic conditions.

Mortezaei, A., & Motaghi, A. (2016). Seismic Assessment of the World’s Tallest Pure-Brick Tower Including Soil-Structure Interaction. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 30(5). https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)cf.1943-5509.0000861