| dc.description.abstract | The Gyeongju Historic Areas, which include the millennium-old capital of the Silla
Kingdom, are located in the region most frequently affected by seismic events in the Korean
peninsula. Despite the numerous earthquakes documented, most of the stone architectural heritage
has retained their original forms. This study systematically reviews and categorises studies dealing
with the seismic risk assessment of the architectural heritage of the historic areas. It applies research
methodologies, such as the evaluation of the engineering characteristics of subsoil in architectural
heritage sites, site-specific analysis of the ground motions in response to earthquake scenarios,
geographic information system (GIS)-based seismic microzonation according to the geotechnical
engineering parameters, reliability assessment of dynamic centrifuge model testing for stone masonry
structures and evaluation of seismic behaviour of architectural heritage. The M 5.8 earthquake that
hit Gyeongju on 12 September 2016 is analysed from an engineering point of view and the resulting
damage to the stone architectural heritage is reported. The study focuses on Cheomseongdae, an
astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, whose structural engineering received considerable attention
since its seismic resistance was reported after the last earthquake. Dynamic centrifuge model tests
applying the Gyeongju Earthquake motions are performed to prove that it is not a coincidence that
Cheomseongdae, a masonry structure composed of nearly 400 stone members, survived numerous
seismic events for over 1300 years. The structural characteristics of Cheomseongdae, such as the
well-compacted filler materials in its lower part, rough inside wall in contrast to the smooth exterior,
intersecting stone beams and interlocking headstones are proven to contribute to its overall seismic
performance, demonstrating outstanding seismic design technology. | |
