Effect of local soil conditions on the seismic response of free-standing multi-drum ancient Greek columns
Effect of local soil conditions on the seismic response of free-standing multi-drum ancient Greek columns
Ancient Greek temples are not always founded on rock; thus, the seismic response of free-standing multi-drum columns may be significantly influenced by soil deformability. Foundation compliance alters the excitation transmitted to the structure and governs rocking and permanent deformations. Despite its importance, the role of local soil conditions in the seismic behaviour of such systems remains insufficiently explored. This preliminary study of the response of a representative multi-drum column founded on soft soil deposits aims to offer an initial insight into how its performance may be affected. Three single-layer sand profiles corresponding to Eurocode 8 soil classes B, C and D are analysed and compared with a fixed-base (Class A) reference configuration. Three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic time-history analyses are performed, modelling the drums as deformable blocks interacting through frictional contact, while the soil is represented as an elastoplastic continuum with absorbing boundaries to simulate radiation damping and soilstructure interaction effects. The seismic response is evaluated through engineering demand parameters describing peak rocking demand, cycle-by-cycle motion, and residual displacements, capturing both transient and cumulative behaviour. Results show that soil deformability substantially modifies the column kinematics, affecting not only peak displacements but also the accumulation of residual deformations. The response does not vary monotonically with soil stiffness, highlighting the complex interplay between foundation compliance, excitation characteristics, and rocking dynamics. These findings emphasise that soilstructure interaction governs the seismic performance of multi-drum columns on medium-stiff to soft soils and should be explicitly considered in their assessment and conservation.
S. Karafagka; Kyriazis D. Pitilakis
4th International Symposium on the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites
Greek Monuments
https://doi.org/10.53243/tc301-2026-65