Engineering analysis reinforces heritage churches in Groningen against seismic risks from gas extraction, aiming to preserve cultural heritage.
Since 2014, Groningen has been identified as a seismic risk area due to gas extraction-induced seismicity. Fifteen out of 54 vulnerable historical churches have been deemed particularly at risk due to their varied masonry vault designs. Since 2017, Dutch engineering firm ABT and Italian Studio Calvi have been examining how to reinforce these churches while preserving their monumental value. Non-linear time history models are used for analysis, with a simplified mesoscale modelling strategy implemented in Extreme Loading for Structures (ELS) software using the Applied Element Method. Reinforcement measures aim to balance safety, liveability, and cultural heritage, including ties at vault intrados, steel frames, or reinforcement coatings. Combinations of these measures may also be employed. Addressing the vulnerabilities will help preserve the churches for future generations. Implementation of these measures is anticipated in 2025 and 2026.
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Krijgsman et al. (2025) studied this question.
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