Ground problems in historical structures: The case of Arapgir cafer pasha mosque

Masonry structures are the structures without a load-bearing frame system and whose main carrier element is the walls. In masonry structures, each unit transfers its own load to the next unit, and this is allows the load to be transferred to the ground indirectly. Since historical masonry structures are made of fragile materials, even the smallest settlements on the ground affects the whole system. The majority of the problems arising from the ground of historical structures are caused by settlement. The main reasons for settlements are as follows; changes to the carrier system, separation and slippage in the ground, excavations around the structure, rotting of foundation piles, earthquake, changes of the groundwater level, traffic and other human factors. It is very important to ensure that historical buildings, which are exposed to ground problems for various reasons, are transferred to future generations without spoiling their essence. In order to achieve this, ground improvement and strengthening methods can be used. By the aid of technological improvements, new methods are being developed to make the ground suitable. During this study, it was determined that the historical Cafer Pasha Mosque in the Arapgir district of Malatya was exposed to deformations due to the ground problems. In order to determine the stresses and deformations on the consruction, the mosque was modelled by the LUSAS finite element program and linear analyzes were made. By the end of the study the results of analyses were evaluated, the precautions to be taken to strengthen the mosque and its perimeter were mentioned.