Numerical Analysis of Geotechnical Problems of Historic Masonry Structures

Geotechnical modeling of complex soil problems requires an advanced 3D discretization and a sophisticated soil models. The aim of the present study is to accurately analysis the geotechnical and induced structural failure mechanisms observed in the field and experimental studies. In order to provide a contribution to quantify the stress and deformation analysis and settlement of soft clay subsoil, a geotechnical analytical model is presented in details. The study presents an attempt of a PLAXIS 3D FE analysis model to simulate the subsoil problems, deformation and stress analysis of the multi-layer masonry structures of Abu Serga church in Cairo, Egypt which is loaded in plane. Advanced soil plastic modeling has been used throughout the different phases of the numerical analysis. The numerical and experimental analysis allowed us to define the pathology of this unique architectural heritage and to estimate the subsoil deformation as well as the stress–strain analysis of its superstructure, also to define the ultimate load that they can survive under their present conditions. The results are discussed with respect to the stress–strain and volumetric behavior of the soil. Consequently it can be concluded that modeling the behavior of subsoil soft clay underneath Abu Serga church by the Numerical analysis is suitable for understanding of the studied behavior of this kind of problematic soil.