The Dynamic Loading of Vilnius Archcathedral Belfry –Investigation and Analysis

Abstract

The dynamic investigation of a monument of historical heritage – Vilnius Arch-Cathedral Belfry – subjected to dynamic loading, caused by the city traffic and recently installed modern bell’s system is presented in this paper. The influence of the operating of the bells was evaluated by measuring the acceleration histories under the conditions, when four different combinations of bells were used. While the influence of the city traffic was estimated according to two typical sources – the conventional city traffic (natural source) and the dynamic impact, caused by heavily loaded truck moving over a localized road surface irregularity (increased risk source). The influence of induced vibrations is recorded by accelerometers located at various levels of the Belfry’s structures according to appropriate schemes. The obtained results are shown by accelerograms. Dynamic effects are evaluated by considering acceleration magnitudes and response spectra. A comparative analysis of various dynamic loadings (operating of the bells and city traffic) is presented. The appropriate conclusions and recommendations are provided.