Comparative Assessment of Linear and Nonlinear Analysis: Balıkesir Clock Tower Case Study

Historical masonry clock towers represent a significant component of the cultural heritage, having been subjected to a range of environmental and seismic influences throughout their existence. However, due to material ageing, structural features and deterioration over time, they are quite vulnerable to earthquakes. Consequently, there is a necessity to comprehensively understand the seismic behaviour of such structures in order to ensure their effective protection and strengthening. In this study, the seismic behaviour of the historical Balıkesir Clock Tower was investigated. In order to evaluate the dynamic behaviour of the clock tower, modal analysis and linear and nonlinear time history analyses were performed. As a result of the analyses, the behaviour of the clock tower as a result of linear and non-linear time history analyses was compared. As a result of the time history analyses, it was found that the results of the linear and non-linear time history analyses showed significant differences. Although the displacement and stress contours obtained as a result of the analyses were similar, the resulting displacement and stress values were quite different. The results obtained make a significant contribution to the ability to carry out more reliable analyses of the seismic behaviour of historic masonry structures.