Seismic assessment of a dome structure with minarets as secondary elements: The case of Soltaniyeh Dome in Iran

The Soltaniyeh Dome, located in Iran, was built in the 14th century as a mausoleum. The building possesses several distinctive features that categorize it as a unique masterpiece of Iranian architecture. Notably, the double-shell dome of the structure represents a particular dome construction technique, in which the two parallel shells are connected through a network of ribs. This research aims to assess the seismic performance of the dome and its surrounding minarets as secondary elements. The methodology of this work starts with a historical survey of the building and its context followed by a review of the state of the art, preparation, and calibration of three-dimensional numerical models according to the defined scenarios, and performing seismic analysis including pushover analysis and limit analysis to assess the seismic behavior of the entire structure. The results from seismic analyses provide the collapse mechanisms of the entire structure. Additionally, minarets were identified as the most vulnerable part of the structure.