Structural and Architectural Analysis of a Complex Mansion Located in İzmir, Turkey

Abstract

Historical masonry buildings located in seismic regions are highly vulnerable to earthquake-induced damage due to material degradation, geometric irregularities, and limited tensile capacity. This study investigates the structural and seismic performance of a protected historical mansion located in İzmir, Türkiye. The methodology integrates architectural surveying, on-site damage assessment, laboratory testing of masonry materials, and geotechnical characterization based on borehole drilling and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) measurements. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using the macromodeling approach, and static and spectral analyses were conducted in accordance with the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBDY). The results indicate that whereas the structure remains within acceptable limits under gravity loads, seismic loading leads to excessive shear stresses (up to 0.51 MPa) and shear strains exceeding code-based thresholds, particularly in load-bearing masonry walls and slender entrance columns. These findings reveal a significant seismic vulnerability primarily associated with low masonry strength and structural irregularities. The study provides quantitative evidence to support the need for targeted strengthening interventions and contributes a data-driven framework for the seismic assessment and conservation of complex historical masonry buildings.