Dynamic Analysis of Vertically Post-Tensioned Masonry Minarets

In Turkey, with the occurrence of almost every strong and even moderate earthquake, damage to masonry minarets is observed. In the present work, efficiency of vertical post-tensioning application to reinforce masonry minarets against earthquakes has been investigated. Considering a representative minaret and its post-tensioned counterpart, and performing spectral and time-history analyses, the effects of post-tensioning on the axial stresses, top lateral displacements and overturning safety have been determined. Obtained results have shown that vertical post-tensioning application is a very efficient method to reduce axial tensile stresses and lateral displacements, and to assure the overturning safety of masonry minarets against earthquakes.