Safety assessment of the Torre de la Vela in la Alhambra, Granada, Spain: The role of on site works

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Granada, which is the area with the highest seismic hazard in Spain. The present work focuses on the seismic safety evaluation of the Torre de la Vela, the main tower of the Alcazaba, the fortress of the Alhambra and the first area of the citadel built in the 13th century. The safety evaluation is carried out using finite element modeling and nonlinear static analyses. In a first phase, a numerical model of the tower was prepared based solely on bibliographic review and a first set of analyses was carried out. In a second phase, the monument was visited and a detailed survey including non-destructive testing was carried out. A second set of analyses was performed using an updated model calibrated with experimental results and the seismic safety assessment was carried out. The results are systematically compared and highlight the importance of on-site works for a correct safety assessment of historic structures. ; The work presented in this paper is part of the research project 'Caracterizacion Estructural y Analisis de Seguridad Estructural y Sismica en Torres y Muros de Tapial de La Alhambra', financed by the 'Unidad Cientifica de Excelencia "Ciencia en La Alhambra" (ref. UC-PP2018-01)' from the University of Granada. The team acknowledges the 'Vicerrectorado de Investigacion y Transferencia' from the University of Granada and the 'Patronato de La Alhambra y Generalife', for the access granted to the Alhambra and the active collaboration during the project. The authors would also like to thank the company `Proskene Conservation & Cultural Heritage', who carried out the geometrical survey of the Torre de la Vela with the laser scanner.