Constructed in the eleventh century, the Safita Tower represents an important monument that has witnessed a significant part of the history of the area. Following its construction, the building was subjected to the concomitant effects of a local geological weakness with several damaging events, including strong earthquakes and battles. The current status of the structure is extremely deteriorated, with several major cracks, nonuniform repairs, and deteriorated materials. In the absence of detailed documentation of the damages and repair records, the task of assessment of the structural condition of the building becomes more challenging. A preliminary assessment of the building was performed by data collection, historical study, field observations and damage survey. Based on the study, an urgent intervention plan is proposed for the Tower. A system of steel ties at three levels is recommended to confine the building and restrain the Tower walls from out-of-plane deformations. The emergency intervention is believed necessary to ensure the structural stability and integrity of the monument and should be given priority before any detailed analyses and/or investigations.
展开▼
