Structural characteristics of Hagia Sophia: I—A finite element formulation for static analysis

Abstract

The historic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which held the record as the world's largest domed building for some 800 years, is analysed with a finite element formulation, including the effects of thickness shear deformations and the term z/R, to understand its structural behaviour under the action of static loading. The structure, including all essential elements of the system, is modelled by using the same curved trapezoidal finite element with 40 degrees of freedom. Its structural behaviour and its structural load carrying system are demonstrated and the results are compared with those obtained earlier and also with those observed at the structure.