Nativity church in Bethlehem: full 3D non-linear FE approach for structural damage prediction

This study presents some results of advanced numerical investigations carried out on the Nativity Church in Bethlehem in order to study the seismic response of the structure and identify possible causes of damage. Detailed three-dimensional finite element models of the church are developed and a damage plasticity material model, exhibiting softening in both tension and compression, is used for masonry. Non-linear bidirectional dynamic analyses are first performed on the model of the entire church in the actual configuration. From an overall analysis of the numerical results, it is possible to observe damage in the vault system, in the semi-domes and near the interlocking of the orthogonal walls. Then, the narthex is separated from the church and is analyzed under seismic excitation applied only in the longitudinal direction. The numerical simulations carried out provide some results that fit reasonably with the actual deformed configuration and can be considered as a useful tool for future rehabilitation interventions.