Parametric Investigation of the Seismic Response of Ancient Isodomic Masonry Walls

In this paper the seismic behavior of ancient isodomic masonry walls is investigated through the case study of the walls of the Parthenon's cella. The isodomicmasonry wall is formed of an orthostate, consecutive alternating courses of headers and strertchers and an external entablature. Thematerial of the examined wall is Pentelikon marble. The blocks rest one upon another and side by side in total absence of mortars but with a meticulous plot and are elaborately connected with metal connectors both in the horizontal and the vertical direction. The structure is modelled using the code 3DEC by Itasca and the analyses are carried out using the discrete element method with the blocks modelling the individual stones assumed to be rigid. The models are subjected to specific seismic actions that correspond to the maximum possible earthquake for the site under consideration within a return period of more than 2000 years. The effect of several features of the wall on the seismic behavior is discussed, as the inclination of the wall towards the inside of the cella, the presence and function of the connecting elements and the damages of the ancient blocks.