Investigation of the Structural Dynamic Behavior of the Frontinus Gate

Abstract

The Western Anatolia Region of Turkey is an important region of high seismic activity. The active dynamics of the region are shaped by a compression and expansion mechanism. This active mechanism is still ongoing and causes strong seismic activity in the region. The Frontinus Gate is a monument in the Roman city of Hierapolis of Phrygia located in southwestern Anatolia. The aim of this study is to investigate the seismic behavior of this stone masonry structure using discrete element modeling. For this purpose, nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed to simulate the structural response of the gate under seismic excitation. Deformation, damage, and failure patterns induced in the masonry gate for different levels of seismic action are evaluated and discussed. An earthquake with a return period of 475 years is expected to cause some damage, but no collapse, while for a return period of 2475 years, the models indicate collapse of the monument.