Stability and seismic analyses of leaning towers: the case of the minaret in Jam

A groundbreaking stability and seismic analysis of the leaning Minaret of Jam, Afghanistan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals critical insights into its structural resilience. The study demonstrates that the minaret maintains global stability against soil collapse under increasing bending moments at its base, assuming elastic-perfect plastic behavior for the soil. Using advanced finite element modeling, researchers conducted modal and seismic push-over analyses, employing both single and multi-modal approaches to assess its seismic response. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the minaret's structural dynamics and inform conservation strategies for this iconic landmark.

Clemente, P., Saitta, F., Buffarini, G., & Platania, L. (2014). Stability and seismic analyses of leaning towers: the case of the minaret in Jam. The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 24(1), 40–58. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/tal.1153