Numerical study of the seismic behaviour of a part of the Parthenon Pronaos

Abstract A numerical study of the seismic behaviour of a proposed restoration of the Parthenon Pronaos is presented. The column‐architrave classical structure was represented by a discrete element model, with the assumption of rigid blocks and frictional joints. Time domain analyses were performed, considering the geometric and material non‐linear behaviour at the joints. The deformation and failure modes of drum columns subject to seismic excitations of various types and intensities were analysed. The adverse influence of drum imperfections on structural safety was examined. A proposal of reinforcement with titanium connections was analysed, and it was found that architrave connections generally improve the response by decreasing the permanent displacements, while titanium dowels between the column drums do not improve significantly the behaviour and in some cases they may be unfavourable to the safety of the structure. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.