A Potential Mitigation Measure for the Seismic Distress of the Circuit Wall at the Acropolis of Athens

The seismic design of new retaining structures is usually performed following modern norms. Nonetheless, there are various monumental (e.g., fortifications) with high vulnerability, which must be protected against earthquakes, while exist several limitations on the type mitigation measures that can applied to such cultural heritage structures. present study investigates numerically response and distress Circuit Wall Athenian Acropolis. a masonry structure surrounding world-class archeological monuments hill Given fact wider region Athens characterized by moderate seismicity, it necessary protect from strong ground motions. For this purpose, geological, seismological, topographic conditions Acropolis hill, as well geometry mechanical properties Wall, realistically taken into account. A realistic finite-element model has been developed for critical section validated available records accelerometers being installed Wall. Subsequently, an efficient suitable—according international monument restoration guidelines—seismic measure proposed. results dynamic earth-pressure distribution presented before after application expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks behind Α detailed parametric illustrates substantial reduction pressures when EPS applied, either along entire height or only at lower part