Dr. Mostafa Behzadfar Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development 2008-5079 16 44 2023 12 12 Typology and Seismic Stability Analysis of the Vaults of the Historical City of Masouleh Typology and Seismic Stability Analysis of the Vaults of the Historical City of Masouleh 91 110 183834 10.22034/aaud.2023.352656.2691 FA Saeid Hasanpour Loumer Ph.D. in Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran. 0000-0002-6488-0532 Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi Professor of Architecture and Urban Development, Tabriz University of Islamic Arts, Tabriz, Iran. 0000-0001-6025-1942 Hassan Sattari Sarebangholi Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Development, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, Tabriz, Iran (Corresponding Author). 0000-0001-7556-3199 Ali Vand Shoari Associate Professor of Carpets, Tabriz University of Islamic Arts, Tabriz, Iran. 0000-0002-7291-6953 Journal Article 2022 07 20 Vaults are among the most effective architectural innovations for covering ceilings and wide spans, which also serve as decorative elements in various buildings. The aim of the present study was to investigate different types of vaults in the historical city of Masouleh and their performance when an earthquake unfolds. For this, the study raised some questions, as follows: “How many types of vaults have been used in the historical city of Masouleh?” and “Which vaults of Masouleh City demonstrate better structural performance when an earthquake occurs?” Methodologically, the study fell under field surveys. Abaqus finite element software (2022 version) was used to analyze the seismic resistance of Masouleh’s vaults; also, data from Bam (2003), Roudbar Manjil (1989) and Tabas (1978) earthquakes were used. Findings indicated that the historical city of Masouleh has 19 vaults, with the so-called steep and gentle Panj-o-Haft vaults being the most common types. Roman vault-construction methods are the most common techniques employed in Masouleh architecture. Findings also suggested that 78% of the city’s vaults are structurally strong to withstand earthquakes. The Keshah-Sar and Khaneh-Bar Neighborhoods, meantime, hold the highest number of vaults at 37 and 21%, respectively, and the Reihaneh-Bar Neighborhood holds the lowest number of vaults at 10%. Also, the seismic analysis results of the 19 vaults of the city of Masouleh indicated that the gentle Haft-o-Panj vaults, seen in Roman brick-laying forms in the Asad Mahalleh Neighborhood, had the worst structural performance against earthquakes. Meanwhile, the 45° vault, constructed in Roman styles in the Masjed-Bar Neighborhood, featured the best structural performance against earthquakes. Vaults are among the most effective architectural innovations for covering ceilings and wide spans, which also serve as decorative elements in various buildings. The aim of the present study was to investigate different types of vaults in the historical city of Masouleh and their performance when an earthquake unfolds. For this, the study raised some questions, as follows: “How many types of vaults have been used in the historical city of Masouleh?” and “Which vaults of Masouleh City demonstrate better structural performance when an earthquake occurs?” Methodologically, the study fell under field surveys. Abaqus finite element software (2022 version) was used to analyze the seismic resistance of Masouleh’s vaults; also, data from Bam (2003), Roudbar Manjil (1989) and Tabas (1978) earthquakes were used. Findings indicated that the historical city of Masouleh has 19 vaults, with the so-called steep and gentle Panj-o-Haft vaults being the most common types. Roman vault-construction methods are the most common techniques employed in Masouleh architecture. Findings also suggested that 78% of the city’s vaults are structurally strong to withstand earthquakes. The Keshah-Sar and Khaneh-Bar Neighborhoods, meantime, hold the highest number of vaults at 37 and 21%, respectively, and the Reihaneh-Bar Neighborhood holds the lowest number of vaults at 10%. Also, the seismic analysis results of the 19 vaults of the city of Masouleh indicated that the gentle Haft-o-Panj vaults, seen in Roman brick-laying forms in the Asad Mahalleh Neighborhood, had the worst structural performance against earthquakes. Meanwhile, the 45° vault, constructed in Roman styles in the Masjed-Bar Neighborhood, featured the best structural performance against earthquakes. https://www.armanshahrjournal.com/article_183834_c695cc706ae2c61539a16decc46f66fc.pdf