Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence
This paper addresses the importance of a structural approach for identifying and interpreting building chronology, as well as for the establishment of historical stratigraphy. Through structural analyses, carried out on the oldest extant royal mausoleum in North Africa, the Medracen (4th-3rd century...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
2022-06-01
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| Series: | Virtual Archaeology Review |
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| Online Access: | https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/var/article/view/17394 |
| _version_ | 1811311649693368320 |
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| author | Lamia Amokrane Tsouria Kassab Juan Monjo-Carrio |
| author_facet | Lamia Amokrane Tsouria Kassab Juan Monjo-Carrio |
| author_sort | Lamia Amokrane |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper addresses the importance of a structural approach for identifying and interpreting building chronology, as well as for the establishment of historical stratigraphy. Through structural analyses, carried out on the oldest extant royal mausoleum in North Africa, the Medracen (4th-3rd century BC), located in eastern Algeria, it has been possible to identify building sequences and structural characteristics; a reinterpretation of its constructive sequence within a specific historical context was also suggested. A static linear Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was performed on a simplified 3D model conceived with solid elements to assess the structural behaviour of the structure under the effect of its self-weight and to identify, consequently, its construction sequence. The equilibrium approach was effective in identifying the structure’s geometry. Results show that Medracen’s ancient restoration was a strengthening intervention strategy and had a symbolic aim related to the function of the funerary building. Restoration works, consisting of repairing specific parts of the building and adding an external cladding, as a whole architectural entity, contributed to reducing the effect of tensile stress, therefore, stabilizing the inner core. Besides, this same action was a means for the Numidian elite to transform an ancient monumental burial (sepulchrum) into a monument (monumentum) with cultural significance likely to convey socio-political messages relating to power and sovereignty. Therefore, we can speak of an “evolutionary restoration” that reflects the ambitions of the Numidian elite to become part of the Mediterranean orbit. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-13T10:21:27Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-17be3026a9ea4a92897eb0f5f12cabe4 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1989-9947 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-13T10:21:27Z |
| publishDate | 2022-06-01 |
| publisher | Universidad Politécnica de Valencia |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Virtual Archaeology Review |
| spelling | doaj.art-17be3026a9ea4a92897eb0f5f12cabe42022-12-22T02:50:28ZengUniversidad Politécnica de ValenciaVirtual Archaeology Review1989-99472022-06-011327334810.4995/var.2022.1739416583Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequenceLamia Amokrane0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3332-8243Tsouria Kassab1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5822-6211Juan Monjo-Carrio2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2191-834XLaboratoire Ville, Architecture et Patrimoine (LVAP). Ecole Polytechnique d'Architecture et d'UrbanismeLaboratoire Ville, Architecture et Patrimoine (LVAP), Ecole Polytechnique d'Architecture et d'UrbanismeEscuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid (ETSAM-UPM)This paper addresses the importance of a structural approach for identifying and interpreting building chronology, as well as for the establishment of historical stratigraphy. Through structural analyses, carried out on the oldest extant royal mausoleum in North Africa, the Medracen (4th-3rd century BC), located in eastern Algeria, it has been possible to identify building sequences and structural characteristics; a reinterpretation of its constructive sequence within a specific historical context was also suggested. A static linear Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis was performed on a simplified 3D model conceived with solid elements to assess the structural behaviour of the structure under the effect of its self-weight and to identify, consequently, its construction sequence. The equilibrium approach was effective in identifying the structure’s geometry. Results show that Medracen’s ancient restoration was a strengthening intervention strategy and had a symbolic aim related to the function of the funerary building. Restoration works, consisting of repairing specific parts of the building and adding an external cladding, as a whole architectural entity, contributed to reducing the effect of tensile stress, therefore, stabilizing the inner core. Besides, this same action was a means for the Numidian elite to transform an ancient monumental burial (sepulchrum) into a monument (monumentum) with cultural significance likely to convey socio-political messages relating to power and sovereignty. Therefore, we can speak of an “evolutionary restoration” that reflects the ambitions of the Numidian elite to become part of the Mediterranean orbit.https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/var/article/view/17394archaeological heritageancient restorationstructural analysisbuilding chronologymedracenroyal mausoleum of numidia |
| spellingShingle | Lamia Amokrane Tsouria Kassab Juan Monjo-Carrio Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence Virtual Archaeology Review archaeological heritage ancient restoration structural analysis building chronology medracen royal mausoleum of numidia |
| title | Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence |
| title_full | Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence |
| title_fullStr | Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence |
| title_full_unstemmed | Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence |
| title_short | Ancient restorations: computer-based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the Medracen’s constructive sequence |
| title_sort | ancient restorations computer based structural approach for the identification and reinterpretation of the medracen s constructive sequence |
| topic | archaeological heritage ancient restoration structural analysis building chronology medracen royal mausoleum of numidia |
| url | https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/var/article/view/17394 |
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