Stochastic dynamic response of masonry minarets subjected to random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions

This paper presents the stochastic seismic response analysis of masonry minarets subjected to random underground blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions by using a three‐dimensional finite element model. The random blast and earthquake‐induced ground motions are represented by the power spectral density function and applied to each support point of the three‐dimensional finite element model of the masonry minaret system. This research conducted a parametric study to estimate the effects of the blast‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the minaret. Therefore, the analyses were carried out for the different values of the charge weight and the distance from the charge centre. In addition, in order to investigate the effect of earthquake‐induced ground motion on the stochastic response of the masonry minaret, three different soil conditions—soft, medium and firm soils—are considered in the analyses. Finally, it is noted that underground blast and earthquake effects cause the stochastic behaviour of minaret to change considerably. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.