Determination of drift-based damage limits for historical masonry mosques

Drift-based performance limits are commonly used in seismic performance assessment. However, many studies have indicated substantial considerations for the displacement-based approach when applied to historical masonry structures. Variability in failure mechanisms, geometrical uncertainties in structural form, loading and boundary conditions and incompatible performance damage limits among codes can be examples to such considerations. In this study, 11 historical mosques that can represent a significant portion of the historical mosques in our country have been selected. It discusses the reliability of the drift limits recommended in different codes and guidelines by comparing drift values obtained from the time-history and pushover analyzes of 11 historical masonry mosques. For verification of the finite element models, the finite element approach is calibrated using different masonry wall experimental studies. The effect of modulus of elasticity on the drift capacity of the structure is discussed. Considering the possible lower and upper values of the modulus of elasticity in masonry elements, analyzes were carried out with different material properties. The obtained drift values were compared with the results of previous studies on historical structures. It was determined that the drift values proposed in the codes and guidelines can lead to incorrect and unsafe seismic evaluation on architectural heritage. Simplified equations related to geometry and mechanical properties were proposed to determine the drift limits of historical mosques. In addition, damage mechanisms that can be seen commonly in historical mosques are defined. Keywords: Masonry mosque, dynamic analyses, damage limits, seismic performance