Effect of pyrotechnical effects on heritage constructions: The Altamira Palace in Elche, Spain

Abstract

Historical buildings are located in the city center, near squares where celebrations take place. These festivities usually include pyrotechnic events that impose blast loadings on historical buildings. In this paper, a methodology for the analysis of the dynamic response of historical buildings is presented, and applied to the Altamira Palace — a historical building listed as Spanish National Monument located in Elche (Spain) — during the experimental campaigns that registered the effect of two different pyrotechnic events. Vibration levels associated with these events are presented and analysed according to several international standards and scientific recommendations, in order to avoid even cosmetic damages. The qualitative analysis of the accelerograms, registered during both events, served to identify the different parts of the spectacle, in which the highest accelerations were induced during the last phase (commonly known as the earthquake). Based on the quantitative analysis of the signals, the most significant frequency range in terms of possible damage to the monument was detected below 10 Hz. In this range, the measurements showed peak accelerations much higher than those limits recommended in the different standards and scientific reports.