The Role of Local Site Conditions

in The Seismic Assessment of Historical

Monuments

J. Cvetanovska, V. Sesov, I. Gjorgiev & K. Edip

Univeristy Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Institute of Earthquake Engineering
and Engineering Seismology-Skopje, Macedonia

SUMMARY:
Presented in this paper are the investigations related to the local site conditions in the seismic assessment of two
historical structures in Macedonia: the church of The Holy Mother of God Peribleptos, from the 13th century,
located in the old town of Ohrid and the Mustafa Pasha mosque in Skopje, from the 15th century. The objective
of the described procedure is to take into consideration the regional and microlocation geological and
seismological parameters in order to define the input seismic parameters for dynamic analysis of the historical
structures. The obtained results point out the significance of involving local site conditions into the seismic
assessment and retrofit of historical structures in general. The procedure has been applied on many buildings of
historical importance which require strengthening and rehabilitation with great success and efficiency.

Keywords: Local soil condition, seismic site response, historical monuments

1. INTRODUCTION

Located in the Central Balkan region, the Republic of Macedonia is characterized by a significant
cultural and historical heritage, which has experienced many earthquakes during its life time, causing a
lot of damages. Historical monuments either collapsed or retained their stability with damages. In this
context, it is very important to assess the seismic resistance of the historical monuments in order to
retain their existence as future cultural heritage. A comprehensive methodology for seismic risk
assessment of historical masonry buildings has been developed and used in Institute for Earthquake
Engineering and Engineering Seismology - IZIIS for over 40 years (Sendova and Gavrilovic, 2010).
The procedure involves field, laboratory and numerical studies performed in compliance with the
latest achievements in the field of earthquake engineering.
The main focus of this paper is related to the part concerning the local soil conditions and their
influence on definition of the seismic input. The concept involves: seismic hazard analysis-regional
approach, in-situ and laboratory investigations - microlocation approach, modelling of the local soil
conditions and performing site response analysis of representative geodynamic models – evaluation of
seismic input and definition of the seismic risk. These aspects are presented in details in this paper
through two chosen case studies of very unique and specific type of historical monuments: : the
Mustafa Pasha mosque in Skopje, from the 15th century and the church of The Holy Mother of God
Peribleptos, from the 13th century, located in the old town of Ohrid.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLIED METHODOLOGY

Earthquake hazard definition for urban areas is the first and the most important step towards a seismic
risk analysis and mitigation strategy (Berilngen, 2007). In seismic parameters definition, one would
like to quantify the variation of the subsurface response to a specific design earthquake that can be
expected in an area (e.g. the earthquake with a return period of 475 years in the European Seismic
Code EC-8). Seismic assessment of historical structures requires multidisciplinary approach with
major contributions from geology, seismology and geotechnical engineering. Earthquake ground
motions are affected by several factors such as source, path and site effects. An assessment of ground
motion therefore depends on the regional seismicity, attenuation of ground motion intensity and local
site effects on ground motion.
The applied methodology for definition of the seismic input parameters in the case studies presented
in this paper follows the following steps:

 As shown in Figure 1, the first step includes characterization of the design seismic motion based
on existing earthquake catalog and seismotectonic data and the seismic hazard through attenuation
of ground motion intensity.
 The second step is definition of the subsurface profile of the studied area based on geological
geotechnical, geophysical and topographic data. Site characterization is mainly done by
geotechnical boreholes, Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT), PS-
Logging, Refraction Microtremor (ReMi), seismic reflection and refraction measurements and
laboratory index test results to provide engineering bedrock (Vs > 750m/s) depths.
 The next step is selection of earthquake input motions which are applied on the bedrock level and
PGA acceleration to which the earthquake motions are scaled based on the results from the
seismic hazard analysis
 The third step is to evaluate, for each location within the studied area, all the aspects of the seismic
ground response, namely, the elastic response spectra. The local site effects are assessed by
carrying out one-dimensional (1-D) ground response analysis) using borehole data and shear wave
velocity profiles within the investigated area (Ordonez, 2011).
 Seismic risk analysis;
 Definition of seismic design parameters at different levels (PGA, site design spectra, time histories
of accelerations) to be used in the evaluation of the existing seismic stability of the structures.

SITE RESPONSE
METHODOLOGY
(IZIIS) Earthquake catalog

Ground mo on  Ac ve fault map

a enua on Seismicity
Geotechnical inves ga on
Microtremor measurement
Geodynamic Geophysical inves ga on
Surface geology mathemaƟcal model
Site amplifica on analysis
Selec on of earthquake  Equivalent linear sta c 
input mo ons
Seismic site response analysis
analysis (SHAKE 2000)

Response spectrum at  DefiniƟon of seismic Accelera on  me history at 

founda on level input parameters foundation
fonda on level 

Figure 1. Flow chart of the applied methodology

The ground conditions in the seismic design process are usually taken into account through
determination of the base seismic shear force, where the coefficient, which represents the ground
conditions, is multiplied by other coefficients to calculate the seismic force. Then quasi-static analysis
can be performed in order to design the structural elements and check the seismic performance of the
structure. In cases where the design engineer has the task to design buildings of higher importance
such as historic monuments, there should be no doubt that the engineer has to perform a time history
analysis of the stress - strain state of the structure subjected to seismic loading (Sesov et al., 2012).
This analysis has to be based on the seismic parameters which are defined by the results from the in-
situ and laboratory investigations performed for the site.
This paper is primarily focused on application of this methodology in historical structures, which are
by themselves and in most of the cases, unique structures of significant cultural importance and as
such deserve a multidisciplinary approach to their strengthening and preservation. No matter how
sophisticated the structural analysis may be (starting from linear-elastic, pushover and nonlinear time
history analysis), yet the variation and the uncertainty associated with the local soil conditions, the
design seismic input parameters, determine considerably the response of the structure.

3. CASE STUDY 1 - MUSTAFA PASHA MOSQUE, SKOPJE

As the first case study, presented are the investigations related to the local site conditions in the
seismic assessment of a historical structure in Macedonia: the Mustafa Pasha mosque in Skopje, dating
back to the 15th century, as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Mustafa pasha Mosque, view, plan and section

The Mustafa Pasha mosque in Skopje is located in the Skopje valley, which was created as a result of
neotectonic movements of the surrounding structures. The geological characteristics of the location
play an important role as to the amplitude and frequency content of the seismic action. Soils in the
region of Skopje in Macedonia are relatively uniform according to stiffness so that the variations along
soil depth lead to different levels of damage to structures.
Based on data from the geological investigations of the terrain in the wider urban area of Skopje
performed after the Skopje earthquake of 1963 and the data from the geomechanical investigations
done for the repair of the mosque in 2007, the terrain of the site is composed from:
 An embankment composed of construction debris, sand and dust (N), with a thickness of 3 to
4 plus metres;
 Miopliocene sediments (MPl) – composed from:
- Sandstone, semi-compacted, compacted (SFc);
- Marls, marly sandstone, marlstone and alike (L) that occur alternately;
From tectonic aspect, the region of the site is part of the Skopje valley situated in the Vardar
geotectonic and seismogene zone, which is characterized by seismogene faults in three main
directions: NNW-SSE, ENE-WSW and E-W. No fault has been recorded to exist on the site.
The geomechanical characteristics of the site are defined in the Report on Geomechanical Research
Works and Laboratory Tests on the Site of Mustafa Pasha Mosque from which it is evident that the
foundation layer of the site, below the filled layer is composed of semi-compacted sandstone with
natural bulk density of 17.4 KN/m3, internal friction angle of =27o, cohesion of c=4.0 KN/m2.
Presence of underground water has not been recorded.
Geophysical investigations have been carried out to define the parameters of the geological media that
have local influence upon the modification of the regional seismic motions as are thickness H, values
of seismic Vp and Vs velocities, densities  and predominant periods T of surface layers as well as
check and define the position of the mentioned seismogene faults in this area. The investigations have
been realized by use of the following methods:
 Seismic refraction; and,
 Shallow seismic reflection;

BH -3 RP-3
RL-3

BH -2

BH -1
RL-2

RL-1

Legend:
- - - Profile through boreholes
BH-1,2,3 - Boreholes with depth 8.0 m
RPi - Seismic refraction profiles
RL-i reflektiven sizmi~ki profil
RPi - Seismic reflection profiles
RP-2

RP-1

RP-i refrakciski sizmi~ki profil

Figure 3. Site plan of performed geophysical and geotechnical investigation

The results from the geophysical investigations provide a good overview of the variation in site quality
and detailed information on the engineering geological characteristics and genesis of the soil layers.
From the analysis, the following values of wave velocities have been obtained:

 Surface fill layer – composed of construction debris and walls of old structures (N) with
overlying depth of 3- 6 m and values of seismic velocities of Vp=270-515 m/s and Vs=120-
245 m/s;
 Sandstone, semi-compacted (SFc), compacted with a depth of 3-10 m and values of seismic
velocities: Vp=600-750 m/s and Vs=245-340 m/s;
 Marls, marlstone, marly sandstone etc. with a depth of 5 -20 m and Vp=1000-2100 m/s and
Vs=400-935 m/s;
The representative soil models have been defined based on the previously mentioned geotechnical and
geophysical investigations carried out at the location of the mosque. The soil profile mainly consists of
sand, clay as well as marl below depth of 12m. Two representative geodynamic models are presented
in figure 4.

Vp = 340 m/s Vp = 340 m/s

4m Vs = 155 m/s nasipan 4m Vs = 155 m/s fill
nasipan

= 16.0 kN/m

3 fill
materijal = 16.0kN/m
3 materijal

Vp =700 m/s
1.5 m Vs = 300 m/s sand
pesok
4m
Vp = 600 m/s
pesok
= 18.0 kN/m sand
3
Vs = 250 m/s
= 17.0 kN/m
3

Vp =1250 m/s
12.5 m Vs = 500 m/s Marl
lapor
= 19.5 kN/m
3
Vp =1370 m/s
12 m Vs = 520 m/s Clay, marl
glina,
= 19.0 kN/m lapor
3

Vp =2000 m/s Vp = 2000 m/s

Vs = 900 m/s marl lapor Vs = 900 m/s
= 23.0 kN/m
3
= 23.0 kN/m
3 marl
lapor

Figure 4. Representative soil models

For the needs of this project, the effect of the local geotechnical media has been defined by analyses of
the dynamic response of representative mathematical models of the foundation soil.
The input motions at bedrock have been selected as a result of the hazard investigations and taking
into consideration the regional seismogeological characteristics.
 ACC1 accelerogramme: El Centro N-S, USA, 1940, with a magnitude of M=6.7. It has been
selected as a representative excitation of earthquakes from near foci, with M=6.5-7.
 ACC2 accelerogramme: Albatros N-S, recorded at rock during the Montenegro earthquake of
15.04.1979 with magnitude M=7.0.
 ACC3 accelerogramme: Petrovac, Oliva N-S, recorded at a deposit of a similar thickness
during the Montenegro earthquake of 15.04.1979 with a magnitude of M=7.0. It has been
selected as a representative excitation due to an earthquake with a larger magnitude and
maximum amplitudes in the period range of 0.25-0.5 s.
 ACC4 accelerogramme: Robic N-S, recorded during the Friuli (Italy) earthquake of
15.09.1976 with a magnitude of M=6.1. It has been selected as the main shock type of an
earthquake from a local focus with a large magnitude.
 ACC5 accelerogramme: Parkfild, 1966, selected as the main shock type of an earthquake.

The maximum accelerations have been selected as amax=0.20(g) and amax =0.30(g) which are the
expected maximum accelerations at the selected location. The acceleration spectra are given in the
following figure.
 Soil Profile No. 1 - Layer 5 Soil Profile No. 1 - Layer 3

4 4
Normalized PSA for 10% Normalized PSA for 10%
damping - ELCENTRO damping - ELCENTRO

Normalized PSA for 10% Normalized PSA for 10%

damping - ALBATROS damping - ALBATROS

Spectral Acceleration / PGA

Spectral Acceleration / PGA

3 3
Normalized PSA for 10% Normalized PSA for 10%
damping - PETROVAC damping - PETROVAC

Normalized PSA for 10% Normalized PSA for 10%

damping - Robic damping - ROBIC
2 2
Normalized PSA for 10% Normalized PSA for 10%
damping - PARKFIELD damping - PARKFIELD

1 1

0 0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

Period (sec) Period (sec)

Figure 5. Mean normalized response spectrum for Model 1 (left) and Model 2 (right) for 10% damping

The response spectra for the analyzed mathematical models – MODEL1 and MODEL2 have been
computed for the adopted input excitations at depth corresponding to the foundation level Df=-4.00 m,
for input acceleration of 0.20 g and damping D=10%. These are presented in Figure 5 for Model 1 and
Model2. Presented on the diagrams are the normalized response spectra.
From the obtained spectra, it is seen that, for the analyzed MODEL1, the dominant amplitudes occur
in the period range of 0.15 - 0.25 s, i.e., the period of 0.4 s for the input excitations Petrovac and
Parkfield. In the case of MODEL2, the maximum amplitudes of response occur for periods of 0.40-
0.50 s, except for the input excitation Robic for which the maximum spectral amplitudes occur for the
period of 0.1 s. The obtained results on the response spectra of the soil models have carefully been
analyzed and taken into account in modelling and analysing the seismic resistance of the mosque.
The main parameters of seismic design, the maximum accelerations have been defined based on the
results from the seismic hazard and risk analysis under the following assumptions:
 The serviceability period of the structure is 100 plus years;
 For the design earthquake, the acceptable level of seismic risk is 30-40%
 For the maximum earthquake, the acceptable level of seismic risk is 10-20%
In table 1, acceleration on bedrock (obtained from the seismic hazard analysis) are compared with the
acceleration on the foundation level (obtained from the equivalent linear dynamic site response
analysis) for different return periods. They are obtained by multiplication of the bedrock acceleration
values with the dynamic amplification factor on the foundation level.
Additionally, the spectral amplification factors presented herein can be used in probabilistic seismic
hazard assessments, because, unlike the code site factors, the proposed site amplification factors
include quantification of the underlying uncertainty in the site-dependent ground motion estimate. For
the analyzed structure, an average amplification factor DAF of 1.35 has been adopted.

Table 1. Max. Acceleration at foundation level for different return periods

Acceleration a (g) DAF Return period T (years)
50 100 200 500 1000
Bedrock 1.00 0.13 0.19 0.25 0.27 0.36
Foundation level 1.35 0.176 0.257 0.338 0.365 0.48

For dynamic analysis, it is also necessary to know the time histories of accelerations that reflect the
characteristics of earthquakes and the time duration of intensive excitation. Having no records on
strong motion accelerations in the region of the investigated site, the time histories have been defined
by selection of the characteristic previously mentioned records, whose frequency content covers the
frequency range of interest for dynamic analysis (Sesov et al., 2007).
4. CASE STUDY 2 – ST. MARY PERIBLEPTOS CHURCH, OHRID

As the second case study, presented are the investigations related to the local site conditions in the
seismic assessment of a historical structure in Macedonia: the St. Mary Peribleptos church in Ohrid
(figure 6) , dating back to the 13tn century.

St. Mary Peribleptos church

Seismic refraction profiles (Rp i)

Seismic reflection profiles (Rl i)

Figure 6. St. Mary Peribleptos church, Ohrid (view and plan of investigations)

The parameters for analysis of the structure of St. Mary Peribleptos church in Ohrid for the effect of
seismic excitations expected at the site, have been defined on the basis of the results obtained from the
performed investigations that are described in details in the previous case study.
Based on the realized investigations and the obtained results on the seismic potential of the site of the
St. Mary Peribleptos church in Ohrid, the following conclusions are drawn:
The data on the seismic activity of the wider area of the site point to moderate exposure to earthquake
effects with expected maximum magnitudes of од M=6.9.
The maximum expected accelerations at bedrock have been obtained by seismic hazard analysis. The
results for the representative return periods (Table 2) range between 0.20 and 0.25 g , in accordance
with the recommendations given in Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance - Part
1: General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings for Damage Limitation Requirements –
TDLR=95 years and Non-Collapse Requirements TNCR =475 years

Table 2. Proposed return period

Return period
25 50 95* 100 200 475* 1000
(years)
Acceleration at
0.133 0.164 0.201 0.204 0.232 0.252 0.260
bedrock (g)

The geotechnical boreholes and geophysical measurements confirmed the existence of a dominant
geological formation at the site: below surface - plate-like limestone with presence of superficial
alluvial zone with humus cover. The measured velocities of seismic waves show the existence of
ground type “B” in accordance with the Eurocode 8 classification.
 Model 1 Model 2

Figure 7. Representative geodynamic models

The performed analyses of seismic response of the site point to several important issues, namely that
the predominant periods of the site are in the range of T=0.13-0.15 s . According to the data received
from the design engineers, the predominant periods of the structures range between Тchurch =0.2 s,
Тbellfry= 0.29 s and Тlodging=0.17s. If a comparison is made with the predominant periods of the
site, it can be concluded that there is no danger as to occurrence of resonance effects.

5.0 5.0

4.5 4.5

4.0 4.0
Spectral Acceleration / PGA

Spectral Acceleration / PGA

3.5 3.5

3.0 3.0

2.5 2.5

2.0 2.0

1.5 1.5

1.0 1.0

0.5 0.5

0.0 0.0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0

Period (sec) Period (sec)

Figure 8. Mean normalized response spectrum for Model 1 (left) and Model 2 (right) and normalized spectrum
in accordance with EC8 – ground type B, for 5% damping

The results from the analysis of the seismic response of the site show that the effects of amplification
of the local soil are not much expressed (Sesov et al., 2011). The dynamic amplification factor ranges
within 1.15 – 1.20.
The amplitudes of the average acceleration spectrum of the site (site specific spectrum) are within the
frames, i.e., are lower than the proposed response spectra for ground type “B” in Eurocode 8 (figure
8).
Based on the analyses of the seismic risk, the maximum acceleration as one of the main seismic
parameters for seismic analysis is given in function of the return period (Table 3) and the design
engineer also has the possibility to adopt a maximum acceleration level based on the adopted level of
acceptable risk and serviceability period of the structure which will indirectly provide the return
period.
Table 3. Maximum expected acceleration for different return periods

Return period T (years)

Acceleration (g)
25 50 95 100 200 475 1000
Bedrock (input) 0.133 0.164 0.201 0.204 0.232 0.252 0.260
Level (foundation depth) 0.16 0.19 0.24 0.24 0.27 0.30 0.31

Table 4. Seismic parameters for analysis of the structure

Maximum
Serviceability period Seismic risk
acceleration
of the structure level %
a max (g)
30 0.28
100 10 0.31

The response of the soil layers in the form of time histories of acceleration has been computed and
given for individual depths of the soil column (figure 9). These results can be used for seismic analysis
of the structures in time domain.

Figure 9. Seismic response of Model 1 (left) and Model 2 (right)-Time histories of acceleration for
selected earthquake input

5. CONCLUSIONS

Large scale restoration and retrofitting projects were under concern at two of the important historical
monuments in Macedonia, Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the St. Mary Peribleptos church, which have
suffered considerable damages during their life time. Within the scope of these projects, detailed soil
investigations and site response analyses have been carried out in order to understand the causes of
structural damage during the past earthquakes and determine the dynamic parameters needed for
structural analysis and retrofitting design for a probable future earthquake. In this paper, the findings
from the investigation of the effects of the local soil conditions on the soil amplification in the
mentioned case studies are presented. The objective of the described procedure is to take into
consideration the regional and microlocation geological and seismological parameters as correctly as
possible in order to define the input seismic parameters for dynamic analysis of important structures.
The obtained results point out the significance of involving the local site conditions into seismic
assessment of historical structures.
The site specific earthquake parameters are used in dynamic analysis of structures and to develop
retrofitting techniques to increase the level of safety against future earthquake damages. As a result of
this investigation, it is concluded that the local soil conditions which led to amplification of the ground
motions in the case of the Mustafa Pasha Mosque during the past earthquakes had played a major role
as to the structural damage experienced by the mosque. For the future safety of this valuable
monument, the structural system and the elements are strengthened to withstand the inertial forces
compatible with the dynamic behavior of the foundation layers during a probable earthquake. In the
case of the St. Mary Peribleptos church in which the soil conditions are mainly represented by stiff
soils and rock, the amplification does not play a significant role regarding the response of the
structure. The presented methodology has been proved to be successful in preservation of the safety
level in historical monuments which require strengthening and rehabilitation. This approach is
recommended to be used in future rehabilitation and strengthening of old monuments of significant
cultural importance located in seismically prone regions.

AKCNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are grateful to all the institutions and professionals involved into the presented case
studies and the Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology –IZIIS, Skopje,
Macedonia.

REFERENCES

Berilgen M. M. (2007) Evaluation of Local Site Effects on Earthquake Damages of Fatih Mosque.
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Shendova, V. and Gavrilovic, P. (2010). New Materials and Techniques in Retrofitting Historical
Buildings and Monuments. 14th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering. August 30 –
September 03,2010. Paper No.1873

Sesov, V. et al. (2007) Definition of Seismic Input Parameters for Evaluation of the Seismic Stability
of Mustafa Pasha Mosque (in Macedonian) . IZIIS Report 2007047

Sesov, V. et al. (2011) Analysis of Stability of Existing St. Mary Peribleptos Church Structure in
Ohrid under Gravity and Seismic Effects – VOLUME 2 – Assessment of Seismic Potential of the
St. Mary Peribleptos Church Site in Ohrid. IZIIS Report 2011/36

Sesov, V., Dojcinovski, D., Edip, K. and Cvetanovska, J. (2012) Evaluation of the Site Seismic
Potential for Performance Based Design. Second International Conference on Performance-based
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EN 1998 Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance

Gustavo Ordonez (2011) SHAKE2000 User’s Manual