Investigating the possible structural damage scenarios of Niavaran Cultural / Historic Complex

Abstract

Niavaran Complex features a mix of architectural styles with the elements from modernism and traditional Iranian architecture and is situated in the northern part of Tehran. The Sahebqaraniyeh Heritage Palace from the time of Naser al-Din Shah of the Qajar dynasty is located in this complex (1846-1896). Based on the initial investigation done by Iran’s Cultural Heritage Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), significant damages and cracking were observed in structural elements of the palace (walls and roofs). To this end, since early 2014, the monument is closed to the public and in-depth assessment has been carried out. The study includes seismicity of the Niavaran fault, soil liquefaction, landslides, land subsidence, and historical aspects, such as the removal of stabilizing walls about half a century ago and the reduction in underground water level. The detailed field investigation and experimental testing were performed by the Building and Housing Research Center (BHRC) of Iran. One of the main investigations has been the influence of deep excavations downstream in the south part of the palace. The outcome of structural, geotechnical, geophysical, and other related investigations indicated that the Niavaran Cultural/Historic Complex has been damaged significantly in the last decades and is in urgent need of retrofitting/strengthening.