Advertisement
Published in:
2019 | OriginalPaper | Chapter
Numerical Modelling of Hypothetical Quincha Walls on Samaipata Rock
Authors : Jacek Kościuk, Janusz Kogut
Published in: Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Activate our intelligent search to find suitable subject content or patents.
Select sections of text to find matching patents with Artificial Intelligence. powered by
Select sections of text to find additional relevant content using AI-assisted search. powered by
Abstract
The Samaipata or, more specifically, the Fuerte de Samaipata is a pre-Spanish archaeological site in Bolivia (since 1998 on the UNESCO World Heritage List). The main feature of the site is a natural rock which served as wak’a (a sacred place). Despite the strong dominance of the Incaic character, the site is multicultural and its origins date back to around 300 AD. Its current appearance is the result of at least 1200 years of cultural developments. At the end of the 20th century, the site was extensively studied and documented by German scholars. Recently, due to the threat of progressing erosion, a new project has been launched by a Polish team, whose main objective is to document the entire site with 3D laser scanning.
The most distinguishing feature of the site is a complex arrangement of figural and geometrical petroglyphs, canals, and water reservoirs, as well as niches or entire rooms. The elements that attract less scholarly attention are long rows of small circular holes drilled into the rock. They are commonly associated with the vertical posts of quincha walls. However, there are doubts about the ability of the quincha wall to resist the extremely strong winds that can act on the top of the rock. Computer simulation is the proposed measure to clarify these reservations. The 3D model is based on the 3D laser scanning results, while FEM is used for solving structural analysis problems. Meteorological data and strength parameters of local wood species will provide supplementary data.