EPISTYLES CONNECTED WITH “I” CONNECTORS UNDER PURE SHEAR
S. K. Kourkoulis, E. D. Pasiou
Abstract
An ambitious scientific project started in 1983 (and it is still in progress) aiming to the solution of a series of structural problems of the Parthenon Temple. One of them is the restoration of the damaged joins of the epistyles due to the corrosion of the iron and their intense mechanical strain. In the frame of this effort, a parametric numerical analysis was undertaken, using the finite element method, in order to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the “I” shaped connectors and of the marble body surrounding them in case the epistyles are subjected to shear. The models simulate two identical prismatic blocks made from Dionysos marble joined together with one titanium connector. The connector is embedded in a groove sculptured on the blocks and filled with suitable cementitious material (mortar). Synoptically the parameters studied included the boundary conditions, the existence or not of the mortar surrounding the connector and finally the existence or not of relieving space. The study indicated that the presence of both mortar and relieving space is of paramount importance. In addition in some cases the stress field developed may cause fracture of the marble blocks (either in the immediate vicinity of the interface of the two blocks or at the corners of the connector) rather than failure of the connector. Such a result is unacceptable according to the “Venice Chart” and supports existing approaches indicating the need for revision of the design of the connectors.
