Monumental articulated ancient Greek and Roman columns and temples and earthquakes: archaeological, historical, and engineering approaches

摘要

Structural analyses indicate that monumental articulated ancient Greek and Roman (MAGR) columns and temples have a very particular seismic response, differing from rigid structures (made with mortar); tall columns in particular, have an excellent seismic performance, favoring anthropogenic effects as causes of their destruction. Archeoseismological studies, on the other hand, provide evidence of seismic damage in MAGR structures. To investigate this apparent conflict, we analyzed the conditions and limitations of structural models, as well as historical and archeological evidence of response of such structures to natural and anthropogenic effects. In addition, we examined two groups of MAGR structures: first, structures damaged or destroyed by known causes, including earthquakes and wind; second, structures damaged by unknown causes, based on comparative damage analyses with emphasis on geotechnical (soil dynamics) effects. This analysis indicates that reports of deliberate destructions of MAGR structures are exaggerated, and in addition, (i) these structures seem safe against earthquakes only if structurally healthy, concerning both their superstructure and foundations; this condition is not always satisfied, and hence, no controversy exists between structural engineering and archeoseismological approaches; (ii) their seismic response is sensitive to small changes of the source- and site-specific parameters; and (iii) no deterministic evidence of absence or of occurrence of critical earthquakes can be derived from their survival or damage, because the latter reflects superimposition of natural and anthropogenic destructive effects, some with apparently similar outcomes, and rarely only single event destructions. These results are important for palaeoseismology (paleoseismology), seismic risk assessment, archaeology (archeology), and restoration of ancient monuments.