Structural Systems, Seismic Failure Modes, and Practices of Structural Conservation of Monuments in Bagan Archaeological Site

This paper investigates the conservation history of structural interventions at the Bagan archaeological site, focusing on structural configuration and seismic failure modes. Post-earthquake observations show that Bagan’s masonry monuments are vulnerable to multiple mechanisms, including leaf separation, overturning, shear cracking, and complex hybrid failures. The widespread use of reinforced concrete to reconstruct lost forms in several emblematic monuments has introduced serious challenges, frequently causing material incompatibility and secondary failures. Retrofitting practices have often departed from international conservation standards, particularly regarding material compatibility and the absence of rigorous structural calculations, underscoring the need for a unified intervention framework and access to specialized training in conservation engineering aligned with global principles. This paper promotes strategic retrofitting solutions that integrate compatible materials with modern engineering approaches, supported by detailed structural assessments and numerical analyses that explicitly consider nonlinearity, dynamic response, and code-based force and displacement checks. A consistent, research-driven methodology, coupled with the active involvement of local engineers, is essential for ensuring long-term preservation. The establishment of continuous monitoring systems and adherence to a coherent conservation framework can substantially improve seismic resilience. Overall, the study highlights that coordinated, scientifically grounded conservation strategies are critical to safeguarding Bagan’s exceptional cultural heritage for future generations.