Seismic Rocking Analysis of Monuments in Bagan Archaeological Site
Jofin George,Arun Menon,Claudia Cancino
International Journal of Architectural Heritage, IJAH, 2026
@inproceedings{bib_Seis_2026, AUTHOR = {George, Jofin and Menon, Arun and Cancino, Claudia }, TITLE = {Seismic Rocking Analysis of Monuments in Bagan Archaeological Site}, BOOKTITLE = {International Journal of Architectural Heritage}. YEAR = {2026}}
An analytical framework for seismic rocking analysis of nonstructural elements in the monuments
of the archaeological site of Bagan, identified as vulnerable in past earthquakes, is presented. While
the overarching study focuses on four structural typologies, a nonlinear kinematic analysis incorporating a finite compressive-strength rocking model is adopted specifically for the susceptible
rocking elements of three selected representative monuments. Seismic demand is evaluated using
three definitions: the recorded 2016 Chauk earthquake ground motion, monument-specific simulated records, and the design spectrum based on Myanmar’s National Building Code of 2020
(MNBC 2020). The floor spectra are computed for each rocking element using the procedure
based on Italian norms for construction (CNTC 2019) accounting for height-dependent acceleration amplification. Results show that the main spires of all three monuments are the most
vulnerable elements, with amplification factors of 1.65–2.45 relative to ground level.
A comparison of the three demand definitions reveals distinct outcomes: The design spectrum
definition consistently yields the most conservative demand estimate due to its higher peak
ground acceleration, while the spatial variability captured by monument-specific simulated records
reveals significant inter-monument differences not apparent from the single record of Chauk
earthquake
DATA-DRIVEN GEOMETRY OPTIMIZATION OF A FUNICULAR ARCH
Aditi Singh,Manas Sachin Deshmukh,Jofin George
Symposium on One Health, One World, OHOW, 2025
@inproceedings{bib_DATA_2025, AUTHOR = {Singh, Aditi and Deshmukh, Manas Sachin and George, Jofin }, TITLE = {DATA-DRIVEN GEOMETRY OPTIMIZATION OF A FUNICULAR ARCH}, BOOKTITLE = {Symposium on One Health, One World}. YEAR = {2025}}
Abstract
The stability of funicularstructuralformssuchasarches, vaults, and domes hasbeen a subject of fascinationinarchitectureengineeringefficientdueandtotheirstructuralperformance and aesthetics. Inthis context, methodologiesand procedures which drivetowards a reduction in carbonfootprint gain significance astheconstruction industry isresponsible for around 50% ofthe total carbon footprintglobally. A novel approach ispresentedtoidentifytheoptimal structural geometry ofan arch considering all criticalloadingscenarios.Akinematic framework basedon principles of limit analysisisutilised to identify thepossible collapse scenarios ofthearch.Keygeometricparameters such as span,riseto-span ratio, and thicknessare varied based on aMonteCarlo simulation to achievestructurally stable forms. ThedevelopedkinematicframeworkistrainedonMachineLearning (ML)models to predict the collapsecapacity. Based on this, anML-enabledoptimizationscheme is applied to thearches considering the criticalloading scenarios. Beyond itspracticalrelevance,theresearch revisits fundamentalquestionsaboutstructuralform, offering a thoughtfulintegration of mathematicalreasoning with architecturaland engineering practice.
Evaluating the Dual Impact of Settlement and Seismic Loads on Masonry Arch Bridges: A Kinematic Approach
Jofin George,Kanukuntla Raj Kumar
International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions, ICSAHC, 2025
Abs | | bib Tex
@inproceedings{bib_Eval_2025, AUTHOR = {George, Jofin and Kumar, Kanukuntla Raj }, TITLE = {Evaluating the Dual Impact of Settlement and Seismic Loads on Masonry Arch Bridges: A Kinematic Approach}, BOOKTITLE = {International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions}. YEAR = {2025}}
Masonry arch bridges, which essentially form a significant part of our historic infrastructure, are constantly challenged by independent and a combination of hazard scenarios. Even though studies have quantified the behaviour of arch bridges subjected to independent structural demands, very few studies have considered the performance of these structures considering multiple structural demands. In this context, an analytical procedure is developed for masonry arches considering the interaction of support settlement and horizontal seismic forces. The adopted analysis procedure based on kinematic analysis utilizes an iterative algorithm to quantify the collapse of the arch. Linear and nonlinear kinematic frameworks are formulated to evaluate the bridge performance under the compound structural demands, which is validated against a numerical model. The proposed method provided key insights into the interaction between the collapse mechanisms initiated by support translation and seismic demand and their effect on the arch capacity.
Keywords: limit analysis, seismic collapse factor, settlement, failure mechanism, masonry arch, multi-hazard
COMPUTATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR FAILURE ANALYSIS OF FUNICULAR STRUCTURES
Kanukuntla Raj Kumar,Jofin George
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CONVENTION, SEC, 2024
@inproceedings{bib_COMP_2024, AUTHOR = {Kumar, Kanukuntla Raj and George, Jofin }, TITLE = {COMPUTATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR FAILURE ANALYSIS OF FUNICULAR STRUCTURES}, BOOKTITLE = {STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CONVENTION}. YEAR = {2024}}
Funicular geometries, which are compression governing structural systems, are a significant part of our
architectural heritage. To ensure the safety and serviceability of these historical infrastructures, where
arches, vaults and domes are integral components, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of
the structural behaviour of these geometries. Unlike conventional structural systems, the failure of funicular
geometries is governed by the system equilibrium and geometric instability rather than strength exceedance.
Further, the collapse behaviour of these structures is usually quantified either using simplified two
dimensional analytical approaches, which might not be representative, or using complex numerical models,
which might be computationally expensive. To address this, a novel analytical approach is proposed,
leveraging structural geometry and system equilibrium to quantify the collapse behaviour of funicular
structures.