Structural Analysis and Monitoring Suggestions for an 11th Century Shipwreck

Abstract

The Serce Limani shipwreck from the 11th century Hellenistic Period in Asia Minor is currently under exhibition in Bodrum Castle. The castle itself also dates back to 15th century and serves as a museum today. This shipwreck is the oldest known ship with a structural skeleton and represents the transition of ship construction from shell to skeleton. Currently, the restoration of the Bodrum Castle is underway and the shipwreck structure is located in an ordinary masonry building, which is to be demolished within the restoration project. During the restoration works, it is of prime importance to conserve the 11th century shipwreck, which is the main exhibition feature of the museum, unaffected from the restoration process. For this purpose, a temporary steel protection structure will be constructed around the shipwreck. For estimating the structural safety of the shipwreck and the critical level of vibrations, the shipwreck is structurally modelled as realistic as possible considering frame/shell element properties and the current restraint conditions of the shipwreck. The modal analysis is then performed and the results from the analysis are utilized to determine the main requirements for developing SHM (structural health monitoring) system of the shipwreck structure. Accordingly, the outline of structural modelling and proposed structural monitoring approach are presented in this study.