Experimental, Numerical, and Theoretical Investigation of the Rocking Response of Baalbek Columns under Harmonic Excitations

A novel approach to predicting the seismic response of Baalbek's iconic columns has emerged from combined experimental, numerical, and theoretical investigations. Researchers found that reduced-scale models (1/20 and 1/40) subjected to harmonic excitations closely mirrored the rocking and overturning behavior of full-sized columns under earthquake-like conditions. This similitude allows for accurate predictions of seismic impacts on these ancient structures using simplified numerical simulations and critical impulse theory. The study further reveals that the mode of column overturning and the number of blocks involved can serve as indicators to estimate the period and peak acceleration of critical impulses within earthquake signals, offering a new tool for assessing structural vulnerability in World Heritage Sites.

Tabbara, M. R., & Karam, G. N. (2019). Experimental, Numerical, and Theoretical Investigation of the Rocking Response of Baalbek Columns under Harmonic Excitations. Journal of Earthquake Engineering, 26(2), 887–910. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632469.2019.1693448