Assessment of Historical Structures

This study includes recent researches for repair and strengthening of historical structures and structural assessment of five mosques built in Albania during the Ottoman period (1481-1912), that are still functional nowadays. A FEM analysis is conducted in SAP2000 for Naziresha's Mosque in Elbasan, as a good representative of the four other mosques. The structural behavior of the undamaged model under static and dynamic loads is investigated and weak locations of potential failure in the structure are identified. The main objective is to introduce possible practical solutions for repair and strengthen the historical structures based on previous studies and research, which would be applicable and affordable for a developing country like Albania. As a result, solutions for the structural problems and enhancing the existing structural resistance are suggested. These interventions would have the least impact on changing the identity of the historical structures. It is believed that the case study's conclusions are applicable to most of the Ottoman mosques in Albania.