Structural repair of Yereruyk basilica

The basilica of Yereruyk has recently garnered the attention of the Armenian government that commissioned the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia to coordinate a team of Italian and Armenian experts for its preservation. Erected in the sixth century, the three-nave basilica of Yereruyk stands out in Armenia for its size, significance, and unique typology. This work details the approach taken to: i) comprehensively understand the structural response of the basilica, through the examination of the damages incurred and restoration interventions applied throughout the basilica's history, the identification of material properties and the definition of the seismic input in accordance with Armenian standards; ii) assess its vulnerability using methods and models of increasing complexity, ranging from linear kinematic approach to nonlinear time history analyses; iii) and finally propose a conservation strategy that aims at preserving the basilica in all its authenticity. In particular, tie rods and steel bars were adopted to prevent local tilting mechanisms involving portions of the wall; at the same time, lime mortar groutings were planned to improve the mechanical behavior of the structure overall, and a drainage system was proposed to limit rising damp at the base of the walls. Specific intervention was also planned to reduce the weakness of the cantonal between the west and south facades where there used to be a tower.