Investigating the possible structural damage scenarios of Niavaran Complex in Tehran-Iran

Abstract

The Niavaran Complex features a mix of architectural styles with elements from modernism and traditional Iranian architecture and is situated in the northern part of Tehran. The Sahebqaraniyeh Heritage Palace from the time of Naser al-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty is located in this complex (1846–1896). Based on the initial investigation done by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, significant damages and cracking were observed in structural elements of the palace (walls and roofs). Since early 2014, the monument has been closed to the public, and in-depth assessment has been carried out. The study includes the seismicity of the Niavaran fault, soil liquefaction, landslides, land subsidence and historical aspects, such as the removal of stabilising walls about half a century ago and the reduction in underground water level. Detailed field investigation and experimental testing were performed by the Building and Housing Research Center of Iran. One of the main investigations was on the influence of deep excavations downstream in the south part of the palace. The outcomes of structural, geotechnical, geophysical and other related investigations indicated that the Niavaran Cultural/Historic Complex has been damaged significantly in the past decades and is in urgent need of retrofitting/strengthening.