Effect of Seismic Horizontal Loads on the Structure of the Taj al-Molk Dome in Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

The external forces acting on the structures are divided into two categories based on the directionof application: a. Loads applied in the vertical direction or gravity loads such as: dead loads, liveloads, snow load, etc. b. Loads applied in the horizontal direction or lateral loads such as:earthquake load, wind load, etc. Therefore, in this study, the behavior of the northern dome ofIsfahan Jameh Mosque (Taj al-Molk dome) was examined under horizontal seismic loads using afinite element three-dimensional model (۳D FE) (nonlinear dynamic analysis) with one level ofnumerical complexity with the aim to cover the structure of the dome, which has a medium to highcomplexity in operation. The results indicated that the structure of the Taj al-Molk dome isvulnerable to horizontal loads, so that if the residual deformation occurs in the range of ۰.۴% and۰.۸%, it will cause the structure to collapse. On the other hand, geometric features (irregularity inthe plan and height of the dome, the presence of large openings, height changes in the cross sectionas well as the presence of the dome or an internal inclined arch) play an essential role in the seismicperformance of the building.

Keywords:

Taj al-Molk Dome , Seismic Horizontal Loads , Geometric Characteristics , Abacus Software