Parametric investigation of the stability of classical columns under harmonic and earthquake excitations

The seismic response of free‐standing classical columns is analysed numerically through implementation of the distinct element method. Typical sections of two ancient temples are modelled and studied parametrically, in order to identify the main factors affecting the stability and to improve our understanding of the earthquake behaviour of such structures. The models were first subjected to harmonic base motions. The analysis showed that, for frequencies usually encountered in earthquake motions, intact multi‐drum free‐standing columns can withstand large amplitude harmonic excitations without collapse. The dynamic resistance decreases rapidly as the period of the harmonic excitation increases. Imperfections, such as initial tilt of the column or loss of contact area due to edge damage, also reduce the stability of the system significantly. The effects of such imperfections could be additive and the cumulative effect of many imperfections may render deteriorating abandoned monuments vulnerable to earthquakes. The response of more complete sections of the temple, such as two columns coupled with an architrave, did not deviate systematically from that of the single multi‐drum column or indeed of the equivalent single block. Therefore, a much simpler single block analysis can be used to size‐up the seismic threat to the monument. The model of the column of the Temple of Apollo at Bassae was also tested under recorded earthquake motions by scaling‐up the acceleration amplitude progressively until collapse of the column. It was found that the columns are particularly vulnerable to long‐period impulsive earthquake motions. A comparison of the instability thresholds associated with harmonic excitations and earthquake motions throws more light onto the dynamic response: it appears that around three cycles of monochromatic excitation at the predominant period of the expected earthquake motions lead to a gross prediction of the stability of a classical column during an earthquake. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.