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Structural Evaluation and Preliminary Analysis of the St. Jerome Hall of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Book chapter

Structural Evaluation and Preliminary Analysis of the St. Jerome Hall of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

E. Mauricio Gonzales, Miguel A. Pando, Matthew Whelan, Dante Fratta, Luis F. Ramos and Rafael Aguilar
Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions, pp 1063-1072
2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-99441-3_115

Abstract

Damage analysis Historical building In situ testing Masonry structure Numerical modelling
The St. Jerome Hall (SJH) located within the Church of the Nativity complex in Bethlehem, Palestine, is a stone masonry building originally built circa the 4th Century. Excavations associated to an archaeological project inside the SJH has exposed structural and foundation elements creating concerns of potentially inadequate structural and foundation performance. This paper summarizes the results of an in-situ study aimed at assessing the structural and foundation condition considering the archaeological-related excavations. The structural assessment involved a detailed laser scanning survey, visual inspections, IR thermography and a wide variety of nondestructive testing (surface wave analysis and operational modal analysis). Nondestructive testing (NDT) allowed for the evaluation of mechanical responses of different structural elements as well as identification of damage. A 3D finite element (FE) model was then used to evaluate the current level of loading at the base of the columns and walls, as well as at the ceiling influenced by the current excavated condition of the hall. Numerical results showed that the current stresses in walls and columns are lower that the estimated strength; however, retrofitting should be considered in one of the columns to avoid compromising the stability of the structural system.

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