Lightning strokes and its effects on historical monuments, heritage properties and important landmarks a detailed perspective of traditional and scientific methods of lightning protection systems

Abstract

Lightning is one of the inevitable disastrous natural phenomena which present serious threat to tall structures including ancient monuments and electrical systems. Though researchers have carried out a wide gamut of research studies to analyze the extent of damage due to direct lightning strikes on important buildings and structures, the focus of this research is on understanding the effects of lightning on tall structures of historical importance and landmark monuments of significance. In this context, different types of Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) are being used to protect tall structures from lightning flashes. However, several complexities related to the appropriate choice of LPS continue to confront researchers since characteristics of lightning such as stroke current, striking distance, return stroke modelling, geometry of the structure etc. pose considerable challenges. This research study presents a detailed chronological overview of lightning strikes on ancient structures, cause and effects, review on LPS strategies along with its impacts on tall structures, historical monuments and landmarks. In addition, a detailed analysis based on a specific case study of a typical historical monument is carried out to ascertain the critical significance of the stipulated zone of protection essential for historical monuments and various risks involved during implementation.

Lightning Protection of Stupas in Sri Lanka

“…Sreedhar and Srinivasan [19] have undertaken a detailed perspective of traditional and scientific methods of lightning protection systems, lightning strokes and their effects on historical monuments, heritage properties and important landmarks. Srinivasan et al [20] have also modelledand assessed lightning hazards to humans in heritage monuments in India and Sri Lanka.…”

Response of Organic Lime Mortars to Thermal and Electrical Shocks Due to Lightning Strikes

“…They may, therefore, be responsible for secondary damages, inducing fell impacts, destruction of icons, distortion of paintings, decay of connection elements, etc. [5].…”

“…Recently, an increasing number of lightning strikes on heritage monuments have been reported in India, probably more than elsewhere in the world [4]. Table 1 summarizes a few significant lightning strikes recorded in the last decade at important monuments and buildings around the world [5]. Table 1.…”

Modeling and Assessment of Lightning Hazards to Humans in Heritage Monuments in India and Sri Lanka

“…Accordingly, direct strike and aborted upward leader cases have been analyzed using the electrostatic model while the other three methods have been examined using the current model. Equations for the electrostatics and current model are indicated in (7) and (8).…”

“…Preservation of cultural heritage monuments which are invariably tall (structures had been built in ancient times by emperors either to commemorate their victories or constructed as places for religious congregation and worship) has become a challenging task since they are vulnerable to pollution, environmental hazards (chemical effluents from industries), fatigue of structural materials etc. In this context, it is also essential to recognize that detailed studies carried out in [7,8] summarize a few of the major lightning strikes that have been reported to have caused substantial damages and deformation of the heritage structures, more so on world heritage monuments of importance. On the other hand, in a similar vein, it becomes pertinent to ascertain the human fatalities associated with lightning strikes both globally as well as from the context of Indian and Sri Lankan perspective, since it is obvious that both countries share a rich tradition of a large number of heritage sites of worship related to various religious faiths.…”