In situ investigation and stability analysis of Famagusta Churches

Abstract

Famagusta was placed on the 2008 World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites by the World Monument Fund. A joint collaboration between University of Minho, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and the Municipality of Famagusta was established with the aim to analyze the stability of the Medieval Churches. After a brief inspection and visit of the site, the churches were selected for reporting and non-destructive testing: (a) St. George of the Latins; (b) St. George of the Greeks; (c) The Carmelite Church. Based on the photographic documentation and in situ testing, the present condition and required items in the conservation projects of the churches are addressed. The stability of one of the churches is detailed using collapse mechanism limit analysis and finite element model updating based on dynamic identification and push-over analysis.