Finite element analysis of the construction of the Tower of Pisa

Sicen Hua; Sitong Chen; Ziqian Wang; Wen Qi; Xianghui Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.2614258

10 November 2021 Finite element analysis of the construction of the Tower of Pisa

Sicen Hua, Sitong Chen, Ziqian Wang, Wen Qi, Xianghui Zhang

Proceedings Volume 12050, International Conference on Smart Transportation and City Engineering 2021; 120500I (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2614258
Event: 2021 International Conference on Smart Transportation and City Engineering, 2021, Chongqing, China

Abstract

The Tower of Pisa was constructed between 1173 and 1370 as a naval base of in the Roman times. The tower becomes a subject of studying in civil engineering because of its tilt towards the South of almost 5 degrees. Motivated by its tilting phenomenon, this paper discusses a simulation of the construction of the tower and the effects the tilt has on the ground. It also evaluates the soil excavation method performed by past engineers in its stabilization process. The result of the simulation testifies that maximum stress occurs on the South side of the tower. The gravity of tower creates a region of compressed soil on the northside which loses subsoil on the southside and furthers inclination. It is noteworthy that the location of maximum stress does not vary hugely with ground compositions but being made of materials with softer quality cause more significant deformations. The paper suggests that future preservation of the tower should focus on methods like soil excavation, as it uses the relationship between ground composition and the tower's deformation to lessen the tilt.

Citation Download Citation

Sicen Hua, Sitong Chen, Ziqian Wang, Wen Qi, and Xianghui Zhang "Finite element analysis of the construction of the Tower of Pisa", Proc. SPIE 12050, International Conference on Smart Transportation and City Engineering 2021, 120500I (10 November 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2614258

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