Σεισμική συμπεριφορά πυργωτών κατασκευών στην Κέρκυρα

Abstract

The aim of the work presented in this thesis is the investigation of the seismic behavior of masonry towers in Corfu, Greece, where a lot of them exist as bell-towers. These bell-towers have never been investigated until now and much more there are not exist neither plans or any other information about their constructional way. These historical bell-towers constitute a different type from all the other historical structures because of their shape with the high geometry form by masonry and with openings in the upper part (belfry place) of the masonry structure. So, these kind of constructions from masonry are particularly vulnerable to seismic loadings. The results of the research reported in this thesis include the identification, the registration and the survey of Corfu bell-towers (with rectangular view or with a “wall- form”). The geometrical characteristics are analyzed and their structural behavior is examined. Also, the factors that affect the fundamental mode of the examined bell-towers are determined by dynamic analysis. Thus, a mathematical equation is determined and its reliability has been evaluated using measurements made by in situ test in other similar bell-towers. From the proposed mathematical relationship and the seismic data of the region of Corfu a diagram of movements is computed in accordance with the height of the bell-towers; then as a result the „safe‟ maximum height of these constructions is determined. The impact of the percentages of damping in the distribution of movements is also examined. Finally, the impact of the behaviour of stiffness of these bell-towers is investigated and the possibilities improving their seismic behavior are examined.