Finite Element Analysis of the Parthenon marble block- steel clamp system response under acceleration

Abstract

<p class="Abstract">Finite element analysis is employed to investigate the mechanical behaviour and failure scenarios of the marble block–steel clamp ancient masonry system utilised in the Parthenon (Athens Acropolis) under static loading analysis. The input data for the model are acquired by the laboratory testing of early 20th century restoration steel clamps, such as through tensile strength measurements and metallography, as well as bibliographic sources from various scientific fields (i.e. material properties, archaeometry, restoration, structural engineering and geology). Two different embedding materials (Portland cement mortar and lead), used for the nesting of the clamps, are examined under bending or stretching, induced by acceleration forces. The conservation status of the materials is taken into account by employing an intrinsic stress, as is the case when corrosion products build up in a confined space. The aim of this work is to provide a tool for the assessment of the conservation potential of the marble blocks in parts of the monument that require specific attention. Simulation results indicate the resilience of the Parthenon’s structural system under most examined scenarios and highlight the importance of intrinsic stresses, the existence of which may lead to the fracture of the marble blocks under otherwise harmless loading conditions.</p>

Reversible protective and consolidating coatings for the ancient iron joints at the Acropolis monuments

“…The historic restoration steel joints, used under the permission of the Acropolis Restoration Service, contain very low concentrations of carbon and other alloying elements and inclusions such as sulfur. Their chemical composition along with their mechanical properties (microhardness and tensile stress values), studied by the authors in previous work [26], are very close to the ones of the original ancient and other restoration clamps [27], [29], [31].…”

“…The metallurgical examination and post-assessment of corrosion and mechanical performance of iron and low carbon steel clamps and dowels (ancient and restoration materials) at the Acropolis monuments has been investigated by research groups in collaboration with the Acropolis Restoration Service [26]- [31].…”