Evaluation of Mallorca Cathedral seismic behavior using different analysis techniques

Abstract

The paper discusses the seismic assessment of Mallorca cathedral in Spain. This cathedral is an audacious Gothic structure built on the island of Mallorca during 14th-16th centuries, characterized by its large dimensions and slender structural members. For that purpose, different analysis methods were used. A 3D Finite Element (FE) model of the cathedral was created and then updated based on in-situ dynamic identification tests. Nonlinear static (pushover) analysis was firstly carried out applying the seismic loads in the longitudinal and transversal directions of the cathedral considering both positive and negative signs. The pushover results were compared with the results of the kinematic limit analysis as a way to cross check the seismic safety assessment. Although for such a large historical structure, the nonlinear time-history (dynamic) analysis requires a very high computer effort, an attempt to perform this type of advanced analysis was carried out.