Fire-induced changes in modal behavior and seismic implications for historical masonry mosques


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Kocaman İ., Çırpıcı B. K., MERCİMEK Ö.

Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10518-026-02374-3
  • Dergi Adı: Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Finite element method, Historical structures, Masonry mosque, Modal analysis, Post-fire behavior
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates the influence of fire on the dynamic behavior of historical masonry mosques and examines the seismic implications of fire-induced changes in modal characteristics. The Hacı Kasım Mosque in Trabzon, featuring stone masonry walls and timber interior elements, was selected as a representative case study. A hybrid analysis framework was employed, beginning with operational modal analysis (OMA) to obtain experimental data, followed by calibration of the finite element (FE) model using these results (with MAC > 0.89 for the first three modes). A two-hour fire scenario conforming to the ISO 834 standard was simulated, and the temperature distribution in critical regions was determined through transient heat transfer analyses in ANSYS. Temperature-dependent reductions in the modulus of elasticity were incorporated into the post-fire model using Eurocode 2 reduction factors, after which modal analyses were conducted. Comparative assessments revealed a 10–15% reduction in natural frequencies, up to a 60% decrease in mass participation ratios in higher modes, and the emergence of localized vibration modes concentrated in fire-affected regions, indicating that fire-induced stiffness degradation not only alters the global dynamic characteristics but also amplifies localized seismic vulnerability. These findings highlight that conventional post-fire restoration practices may be insufficient to ensure the safety of historical structures and emphasize the urgent need for performance-based conservation strategies.