Evaluation of the seismic performance pre- and post-restoration of a masonry clock tower's FE model updated via experimental and optimization methods

This article presents comprehensive numerical and partial experimental studies to determine the seismic performance of the recently restored masonry clock tower in Bayburt before and after restoration. The numerical dynamic characteristics of the structure are obtained by free vibration analysis conducted on the preliminary finite element model, while the experimental ones are determined through ambient vibration testing. The ultimate finite element models reflecting the actual state of the structure pre- and post-restoration are created through a model updating process based on the principle of minimizing the differences between numerical and experimental dynamic properties via the Tabu Search Algorithm. Dynamic analyses of the models are carried out by the mode superposition method in the time domain, using eleven earthquake ground motion records selected considering the tectonic structure of the region and scaled to the design spectrum explicitly established to the site. Seismic responses are evaluated based on displacement, maximum-minimum principal stress, and maximum-minimum principal strain. The maximum principal stress value, the most critical parameter jeopardizing the safety of masonry structures, is 2.069 MPa before the restoration reaches 2.489 MPa, with an increase of approximately 20.3 % after the restoration. Since this value is less than the tensile strength of the masonry material, 3.120 MPa, it is not at a level that poses any risk to the structure. Other structural reactions also remain below the limit values. Therefore, according to today's seismic hazard analysis criteria, it can be said that the clock tower is safe. However, the North Anatolian Fault Zone, with high tectonic activity passing just south of the city, has the potential to produce severe earthquakes that may affect the region in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically monitor the seismic behaviors of the historical masonry structures in Bayburt and take essential precautions based on the results.