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EVALUATION OF DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HISTORICAL MASONRY

STRUCTURES BY OPERATIONAL MODAL ANALYSIS

Conference Paper · April 2019

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 EVALUATION OF DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HISTORICAL MASONRY
STRUCTURES BY OPERATIONAL MODAL ANALYSIS

Halil Nohutcu1, Emin Hökelekli2, Ali Demir1, Emre Ercan3, Gökhan Altıntaş1, Ömer Yasin Sülün4

1
Department of Civil Engineering, Manisa Celal Bayar University, 45140, Manisa, Türkiye
2
Department of Civil Engineering, Bartın University, 74100, Bartın, Türkiye
3
Department of Civil Engineering, Ege University, 35100, Izmir, Turkey
4
Muğla Vocational School, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Muğla, Turkey

Abstract

Historical buildings are important values that connect the history of a nation and provide to the future with
confidence. It needs to be protected, safe and safely transferred to future generations. In this study, 3 historical
mosques, Manisa Hafsa Sultan mosque, Manisa Muradiye Mosque, Bolvadin Imaret Mosque and 3 historical
minarets, Manisa Hafsa Sultan Mosque minaret, Bolvadin Alaca and Imaret mosque minarets were examined
with Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) method. Evaluations have been tried to reach a common opinion. The
dynamic characteristics (natural frequency, damping ratios and mode shapes) of these historical structures were
determined by using OMA method and Finite Element methods. The results of the analytical analysis were
approximated to the experimental results and the closest finite element model representing the realistic behaviour
of the structures was obtained. The parameters of the masonry building materials were used to improve the finite
element model. It shows the similarity of building materials of this historical masonry structures. As a result of
the finite element model improvement, the elasticity modules of the whole structures were compared. At the
same time these structures were also evaluated in terms of building material.

Keywords: Historical buildings, operational modal analysis, dynamic characteristics.

1. Introduction

The Conservation of historical structures and their transfer from generation to generation is extremely important
for protecting the cultural assets of countries. In our country, which is very rich in terms of historical assets, the
natural disasters, physical and chemical effects of these structures, which have been exposed for many years,
cause serious damages and even they face the situation of collapse due to our geography in the earthquake zone.
Before the natural disasters, especially earthquakes, to determine the current dynamic behaviors and to take
measures against the potential dangers, it is an important issue for the protection of our cultural assets. The
material properties of these large-scale structures can be determined in laboratory environment or in place by
some damaged-undamaged inspection methods. However, when determining the dynamic parameters of the
existing structure, two methods that can be preferred are remarkable. The first of these; constructing the
mathematical model of the building and using the numerical methods (Finite Element Method) and the second
one; Experimental Modal Analysis or Operational Modal Analysis. In the findings obtained by numerical
methods, due to the fact that the boundary conditions and material properties cannot be determined, deformations
and damages due to the use of the structure for many years, due to some assumptions made during the analysis,
there may be differences between the dynamic behavior of the building and the behavior obtained as a result of
the analysis. The experimental methods allow to obtain parameters close to the actual behavior with the help of
the data obtained from the performance of the current state of the structure. In large scale structures, artificial
and controlled vibrations can be very time consuming and costly. Therefore, the EMA experimental modal
analysis method is not preferred for civil engineering structures. These reasons make the OMA operational
modal analysis method a choice in the field of evaluation of existing structures, which allows for on-site
measurements and evaluation of the building's environmental impacts. OMA can be easily applied in historical
buildings as well as in other structures, and the dynamic behavior and dynamic parameters of the structure (such
as mode shapes, frequency values and damping rates) can be achieved in close proximity to reality. In this study,
historical mosques and minarets were studied. Material properties belonging to the structures are taken from the
studies determined in situ and in laboratory environment by performing non-destructive and destructive tests.
The rigid models of the buildings were completed and then the dynamic properties of the model were determined
by the finite element method. In the second phase of the study, dynamic properties of the existing structure were
determined by performing operational modal analysis measurements in the structures and the results obtained
from both methods were compared. In the finite element model, the mode analises were analyzed by modifying
the elasticity model and the modes obtained from the OMA results were attained, and the realistic elasticity
module to be used in the finite element model was obtained. These models can be used to determine the
earthquake performance evaluations of structures.

2. Determination of Initial Elastic Modulus Values

In the historical mosques and minarets which were investigated within the scope of the study, the material
parameters for the finite element model were determined as the first stage. Various destructive and non-
destructive tests have been carried out for this purpose. In order to take samples from the natural stones, which
are one of the components of the composite material, the natural stone samples of the same characteristics and
sufficient dimensions from the surrounding areas and surrounding areas were taken and the mechanical
properties of the historical structures were determined. In the studied buildings, the binding material is horasan
mortar. The initial modulus of elasticity was calculated for the masonry material by means of the following
relation in Eurocade 6:

t m  tu
E  (2)
tm tu

E m Eu
The shear modulus of the material is taken as 40% of the elasticity modulus value as specified in Eurocode 6.
Based on the studies in the literature, the poisson ratio of the bulk material was determined as 0.17. Material
values determined for use in finite element model are taken from related studies and given in Table 1.

Table 1. Initial material parameters used in the analysis of structures

Name of the Building Materials E (MPa) G (MPa)  (kg/m3) µ

Manisa Hafsa Sultan Mosque Stone-Brick
1500 600 2200 0.17
(Nohutcu et al. 2015) Masonry
Manisa Muradiye Mosque
Stone Masonry 1500 600 2200 0.17
(Nohutcu et al. 2015)
Bolvadin İmaret Mosque
Stone Masonry 1500 600 2200 0.17
(Hokelekli et al. 2017)
Manisa Hafsa Sultan Mosque Minaret
Stone Masonry 1500 600 2200 0.17
(Nohutcu et al. 2017)
Bolvadin İmaret Mosque Minaret Stone Masonry 4400 1760 2200 0.17
(Nohutcu 2019) Brick Masonry 1300 520 1750 0.17
Manisa Alaca Mosque Minaret Stone Masonry 3620 1448 2200 0.17
(Nohutcu et al. 2015) Brick Masonry 1300 520 1750 0.17

3. Numerical Model And Finite Element Analysis

In the mosques and minarets where material properties were determined, extensive building survey were carried
out and the structure and bearing element dimensions and the settlements of the supporting elements were
determined (Table 2). Three dimensional solid models of the structures were prepared in computer program.
Material properties of the prepared models were determined by using the material parameters determined in the
first step of the study. Macro modeling technique was used in the material model of structures. The solid models
were transformed into finite element models in structural analysis software (ABAQUS).Three-dimensional four-
node solid tetrahedral (C3D4) elements were used in finite element models in all historical buildings.

Table 2. Dimensions of historical buildings

 lz
Average
ly
Wall
Mosques Structure
lx Thickness
(cm)
Dimensions (m) ( lx /ly /lz )
Manisa Hafsa Sultan Mosque ( 29.25 / 21.33 / 22.5 ) Stone - Brick 140
Manisa Muradiye Mosque (a) Manisa Hafsa Sultan
Camii Minaresi
(b) Bolvadin İmaret
Camii Minaresi
( 26.5 / 24.00 / 23.60 )
(c) Bolvadin Alaca Camii
Minaresi
(d) Bolvadin Hacı
Mahmut Camii Minaresi
Stone 140
Bolvadin İmaret Mosque ( 17.70 /17.70 /17.00 ) Stone 180

D
lzm Body Wall
Minarets Structure Thickness
(cm)
Height Body Diameter (D) (m)
(m)
Manisa Hafsa Sultan Mosque Minaret 33.00 2.50 Stone 35
Bolvadin İmaret Mosque Minaret 23.50 2.00 Stone 20
Bolvadin Alaca Mosque Minaret 24.00 2.10 Stone - Brick 20

For the calibration of the finite element model, an example has given in Figure 1.
Frequency

Number of elements
Figure 1. Imaret Mosque convergence analysis graph as an example (Hokelekli et al. 2017)

In order to determine the optimum mesh spacing, convergence analyzes at different mesh ranges were performed
and compared for all structures in Table 3. Although the number of mosques and minarets has been investigated
within the scope of this study, we estimate that the most suitable mesh intervals can be taken as 0.28 m for
mosques and minarets in the following studies.

Table 3. Optimum mesh values used in finite element analysis

Name of the Building Optimum Mesh Value Average Mesh Value
Hafsa Sultan Mosque 0.30 m
Muradiye Mosque 0.30 m
İmaret Mosque 0.30 m
0.28
Hafsa Sultan Camii Minaret 0.25 m
İmaret Camii Minaret 0.25 m
Alaca Camii Minaret 0.30 m

In finite element analysis, eigenvalue analysis was performed by using linear perturbation frequency module and
natural frequencies of the structures were determined. In the prepared models, the support type at the basic level
of the structures is modeled as a fixed support. In addition, the boundary conditions which are suitable for these
conditions have been defined by considering the integration of the mosque and minarets in the modeling of the
minarets. Finite element modeling of the mosques and minarets are given at Table 4.
Table 4. Finite element models of studied historical mosques and minarets

(a) Manisa Hafsa Sultan mosque (b) Manisa Muradiye mosque (c) Bolvadin İmaret mosque

(a) Manisa Hafsa Sultan Mosque (b) Bolvadin Imaret Mosque (c) Bolvadin Alaca Mosque
Minaret Minaret Minaret

4. Operational modal analysis (OMA)

One of the methods used to determine the dynamic properties of engineering structures is the operational modal
analysis (OMA) method. The basic principle of the method; The effects of the environmental dynamic effects on
the structure are taken by the structure, and these reaction forces are collected and analyzed to determine the
dynamic properties of the structure. The duration and intensity of the impact forces in the OMA method is
unknown. These forces are random loads such as traffic, pedestrian, wind, and machine loads. In the scope of
this study, OMA was applied as the second step of the study in the historical mosques and minarets, and the
dynamic parameters obtained with numerical models in the first stage were determined experimentally. The test
system generally includes accelerometers, data acquisition devices and computers. There are 16 pieces
accelerometers in the Hafsa Sultan and Imaret Mosque, 8 in the Muradiye Mosque, 14 in the minaret of the
Hafsa Sultan Mosque, 12 in minaret of the Imaret Mosque and the minaret of Alaca Mosque.

The positions of the accelerometers in the structures were chosen as the largest displacement points in the results
obtained by the finite element analysis in the first step of the study. The signals received with the accelerometers
are collected in 24 bit data acquisition units. The data received at the moment were followed up and the signal
records were kept at the desired accuracy level. The data obtained from the measurements were analyzed in the
frequency domain and in the stochastic sub-area. In other words, EFDD (Enhanced Frequency Domain
Decomposition) and / or SSI (Stochastic Subspace Identification) methods were used to determine the dynamic
parameters. The EFDD technique was used to obtain the spectral density functions of the data obtained in the
first step of the analysis and the distribution graphs of these functions were generated (Figure 2 (b)). Separation
of singular values from the spectral density function graph, natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes
were determined. In the SSI method, the data collected in the diagram were analyzed and after the formation of
the stabilization diagrams of the structure, the peak points in this diagram which is the image of spectral density
functions were selected and the dynamic parameters of the structures were determined (Figure 2 (a)).
 (a) (b)
Figure 2. (a) Diagram of stabilization of Imaret Mosque (b) Spectral density diagram of Muradiye Mosque

There are differences between the natural frequency values obtained experimentally and the natural frequency
values of the numerical model formed by finite element method. One of the reasons for these differences is that
the material values obtained locally cannot represent the structure. In addition, it is thought that these differences
are caused by the micro and macro level cracks and damages in these structures that existed for many years, and
the corrosion effect on steel and metal building materials which are used in the structure. At this point, numerical
model improvement was made according to experimentally obtained frequency values. For this purpose, by
changing the value of the modulus of elasticity from the material parameters of the numerical model, it has been
ensured that the finite element results converge to the experimental results by a large number of trials (Table 5).
In addition, the use of EFDD and / or SSI analysis methods allowed the determination of modal damping rates of
structures.

Table 5. Determined dynamic characteristics of the investigated structures

Period (s) Elastisite modülü

Name of Period (s) (SEM)
(OMA) Mo Damping (MPa)
the Direction
d Before After Ratios Before After
EFDD SSI Structure
Calibration Calibration Calibration Calibration
0.34 0.34 1 0.31 0.34 (Y) 1.54
0.22 0.22 Hafsa 2 0.20 0.22 (X) 1.07
0.22 0.21 Sultan 3 0.19 0.21 (X) 1.53 1500 1210
0.18 0.18 Mosque 4 0.17 0.18 (Y) 1.50
0.16 0.16 5 0.15 0.16 (X) 1.85
- 0.26 1 0.31 0.26 (Y) 1.21
Muradiye (X)
- 0.21 2 0.25 0.20 0.80 1500 2200
Mosque
- 0.18 3 0.20 0.16 (T) 0.73
- 0.15 1 0.13 0.15 (X) 2.71
İmaret
- 0.15 2 0.13 0.15 (Y) 1.24 1500 1110
Mosque
- 0.13 3 0.12 0.15 (T) 3.21
0.83 - 1 0.75 0.83 (X) 0.81
Hafsa
0.76 - 2 0.74 0.80 (Y) 0.42
Sultan
0.22 - 3 0.14 0.20 (Y) 0.35 1500 7700
Mosque
0.19 - 4 0.14 0.20 (X) 0.46
Minaret
0.09 - 5 0.07 0.09 (T) 0.76
- 0.70 1 1.18 0.70 (X) 0.86 4400 4400
- 0.66 İmaret 2 1.18 0.65 (Y) 0.61 (Stone) (Stone)
- 0.15 Mosque 3 0.23 0.15 (X) 1.59
Minaret 1300 5200
- 0.14 4 0.23 0.15 (Y) 1.51
(Brick) (Brick)
 - 0.83 1 1.72 0.83 (X) - 3620 12500
- 0.79 Alaca 2 1.63 0.79 (Y) - (Stone) (Stone)
- 0.13 Mosque 3 0.26 0.13 (Y) -
- 0.12 Minaret 4 0.25 0.12 (X) - 1300 4400
- 0.10 5 0.20 0.09 (T) - (Brick) (Brick)

Natural vibration periods and mode shapes were also obtained by numerical and OMA method (Figure 3).

(a) Numerical analysis 1. mode shape (b) OMA 1. mode shape

(c) 1. mode shape (d) 2. mode shape (e) 3. mode shape

Figure 3. Numerical and experimental mode shapes of Hafsa Sultan Mosque and Imaret Mosque Minaret as
examples

5. Conclusions and recommendations

In this study, experimental (OMA) and numerical studies were carried out to determine the dynamic properties
of 3 mosques and 4 minarets. In the first stage, the solid models of the structures and the structures of which the
material properties were determined were prepared and the finite element models were prepared for numerical
analysis with the help of these solid models. The optimum mesh intervals to be used in finite element models
were determined for all structures respectively. Although the certain number mosque and minarets have been
investigated within the scope of this study, we foresee that the most appropriate mesh intervals can be taken as
0.28m for mosques and minarets. In the second step of the study, Operational Modal Analysis (OMA)
measurements were performed in the same structures and the collected data were analyzed by EFDD and / or SSI
analysis methods and the dynamic properties (natural frequencies, damping ratios and mode shapes) of the
structures were determined experimentally. Realistic elasticity module was determined in finite element models
by improving finite element models depending on experimental results. In the study, the average modulus of
elasticity was obtained 1873 MPa for mosques, 8467 MPa for minarets. The standard deviation value is very
large, so that an elasticity module doesn’t be recommended without OMA experimentation.

Imaret Mosque has a natural period between 0.15 s in the first three modes. These values are smaller than the
natural frequency values obtained in Hafsa Sultan Mosque. The reason for this is that the size and height of the
Hafsa Sultan Mosque is higher than that of the Imaret Mosque, and it is thought that the Hafsa Sultan Mosque
received damage at different levels from the earthquakes in the past, and that the wall thickness of the imaret
mosque is higher than the others. A reason for the damage is thought to be due to the fact that the Hafsa Sultan
Mosque is close to the traffic density due to its location. Due to all these effects, it is thought that the period
values of Hafsa Sultan Mosque increased. Imaret Mosque was damaged by earthquakes and environmental
impacts, and in 2012 it underwent restoration work. The modulus of elasticity obtained from the Muradiye
Mosque is higher than the other two mosques. Although the size characteristics of Muradiye Mosque are similar
to Hafsa Sultan Mosque, the natural period values are smaller than the values obtained in Hafsa Sultan Mosque.
It is thought that the structure of the Muradiye mosque is composed of smooth cut stones, the structure is far
from the road vibrations and it is less affected from earthquakes. The numerical model mod shapes and the
experimental mod shapes are similar. In all the studied structures, the 1st and 2nd mode shapes were obtained in
the X or Y horizontal directions respectively. That is, all mosques and minarets have shown parallel behavior in
the first two modes. Torsion behavior was observed in the Imaret and Muradiye Mosque in the 3rd mode. In
addition, the torsional behavior of the Hafsa Sultan Mosque was not determined in the first five modes.
Similarly, in all the minarets except the Imaret Mosque Minaret, in the minarets torsional behavior was
determined in the 5th mode. This shows that torsion mode is very difficult to form in minarets. Considering the
size characteristics of the minarets, the height of the minaret of the Imaret Mosque is lower than in the other
minarets.

In this study, the studies on the improvement of OMA and finite element which we made on a certain number of
mosques and minarets were evaluated. Muradiye Mosque and Imaret Mosque have a stone structure and its
period is slightly lower than Hafsa sultan mosque. This shows that the period of stone structures is smaller. The
walls of the mosques of Muradiye and Imaret are cut stone, and one percent of their height gives approximate
natural vibration periods (T10.01lz). The walls of the Sultan Mosque consist of a combination of brick and
stone, and about 15 per thousand of their heights give the natural vibration periods (T10.015lz). In the minarets,
the minaret of the Sultan Mosque is a stone. 2.5 percent of the height of the mosque minaret of the mosque gives
approximate natural vibration periods (T10.025lzm). Three percent of the height of the Imaret and Alaca
mosques give natural vibration periods (T10.03lzm). How healthy it would be to go to a generalization here will
be healthier in future studies.

When the solutions obtained from OMA are examined, the average damping ratio of the mosques is 1.8 percent
and the minarets are 0.84 percent. As can be seen here, the rate of 5% extinction accepted for the general
buildings in historical buildings cannot be reached. So this means that the earthquake load takes a little damp.
When the damping ratio is examined, it is seen that the damping ratio of minarets is very low compared to the
mosques. This is due to the fact that the damper cross-sectional area is small in the structure. Because this area is
larger in mosques, it is thought that it dampens more earthquake force. The minarets do not dampen the
earthquake force sufficiently, so it must be made as ductile as possible. In other words, it is necessity to use
tensile reinforcement elements in joints.

In the light of all the information obtained, dynamic characteristics of 3 mosques and 3 minarets have been
revealed with OMA method and finite element solutions and some generalizations have been made. These
generalizations are not precise but give us an idea. It is thought that this study will help the designers in the
design of new structures to be made of stone and brick.

References

Nohutcu, H., Demir, A., Ercan, E., Hokelekli, E., Altintas G. (2015). Investigation of a historic masonry
structure by numerical and operational modal analyses. The Structural Desıgn Of Tall And Specıal
Buıldıngs, 24:821–834.
Nohutcu, H. (2019) Seismic Failure Pattern Prediction in a Historical Masonry Minaret under Different
Earthquakes. Advances In Civil Engineering.
Hokelekli, E., Ercan, E., Nohutcu, H., Demir, A., Gencel, O. (2017). Determination of dynamic characteristics of
a historical mosque with numerical and experimental methods, 6th International Symposium on
Conservation and Consolidation of Historical Structures, 2017 November 2-4, Trabzon.
Nohutcu, H., Hokelekli, E., Ercan, E., Demir, A., Altintas, G. (2017). Collapse mechanism estimation of a
historical slender minaret. Structural enginnering and Mechanics, 64(5): 653-660.
Basaran, H., Demir, A., Ercan, E., Nohutcu, H., Hokelekli, E., Kozanoglu, C. (2016). Investigation of seismic
safety of a masonry minaret using its dynamic characteristics. Earthquakes and Structures, 10(3): 523-
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 Eurocode 6. 1996. European Committee for Standardization, Brussels, Belgium.

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