Evaluation of a Simplified Direct SSI Method in the Dynamic Seismic Behavior of Traditional RC Minarets

Abstract

Several reinforced concrete minarets in Turkey have suffered significant damage during earthquakes, resulting in fatalities and economic losses. These structures might be considered the most frequently built thin structures in Turkey. To improve seismic resistivity, it is necessary to figure out the exact nature of these tall structures. In this way, the existing ones can be strengthened. This study examined the most widely built (traditional) forms of reinforced concrete minarets under two earthquakes, the Mw 7.2 Van on 23 October 2011 and the Mw 7.4 İzmit on 17 August 1999, by considering three types of soils, i.e., stiff, medium and soft, with the viscous boundary method proposed from Burman et al. Moreover, diameter of the soil was selected as ten times the diameter of the foundation of the minarets. After conducting numerous analyses, it was concluded that the RC minarets’ structural behavior was altered by the softening of the earth, leading to a sharp increase in internal forces. Furthermore, it was discovered that the regions of stress accumulation indicated for the representative minarets matched the damage shown in recent earthquakes.