A Simplified Analysis for Assessing the Response of Mycenaean Tholos Tombs and Similar Monumental Structures with Corbelled Stone Courses
摘要
Mycenaean tholos tombs are distinctive ancient monuments constructed as axisymmetric masonry structures (either dry or bound with weak mud mortar) that achieve self-stability through corbelled stone courses forming their vaulted roofs, later covered by earthen mounds. This study presents a simplified computational approach for geostructural analysis of these monuments to evaluate their structural integrity and inform restoration and protection efforts. The methodology involves two primary steps. First, a 3-D linear finite element analysis is conducted using area shell elements to model the tombs. The discrete nature of the masonry structure and material aging are incorporated by applying a Geological Strength Index (GSI) value, to provide adapted strength and deformation parameters at the microscale. Second, 2-D nonlinear soil-structure interaction staged analyses are performed on vertical and selected horizontal sections. Using the Hoek-Brown failure criterion for stone blocks and the Mohr-Coulomb criterion for the surrounding soil, dry joints, and mortar, these staged analyses interpret observed pathologies and assess response to normative loads. To address differences between 2-D plane strain conditions and the tomb's axisymmetric structure, corrective horizontal stresses derived from either analytical or numerical solutions or 3-D simplified linear analyses are applied to simulate the confining ring effect of the structure.