ID1590: Preliminary structural assessment of adobe archaeological remains of “Huaca de la Luna” in Trujillo, Peru

CHÁCARA, CÉSAR1; ZVIETCOVICH, FERNANDO2; AGUILAR, RAFAEL3; PERUCCHIO, RENATO4; MARQUES, RUI5; CASTAÑEDA, BENJAMIN6; UCEDA, SANTIAGO7; MORALES, RICARDO8

1) Master Student, Civil Engineering, Catholic University of Peru, c.chacara@pucp.pe

2) Master Student, Electrical Engineering, Catholic University of Peru, fzvietcovich@pucp.edu.pe

3) Associate Professor, Catholic University of Peru, Department of Engineering, raguilar@pucp.edu.pe

4) Professor, University of Rochester, Department of Mechanical Engineering, rlp@me.rochester.edu

5) Postdoctoral Researcher, Catholic University of Peru, Department of Engineering, marquesmnc@sapo.pt

6) Associate Professor, Catholic University of Peru, Department of Electrical Engineering, castaneda.b@pucp.edu.pe

7) Professor, National University of Trujillo, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, santiago_uceda@hotmail.com

8) Professor, National University of Trujillo, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, rimoga07@yahoo.es

 

“Huaca de la Luna” is a massive adobe complex in Trujillo, Peru, built by the Moche civilization (100 – 650 AD) and brought to light through archaeological excavations began in 1991. The paper presents the first stage of a multidisciplinary study regarding the structural state of the construction. Considering the complex vast size, structural elements in only two particular areas were selected as case studies for their cultural significance and vulnerability to natural phenomena. Optical methods were used to perform a photogrammetric survey and to reconstruct solid models of those areas. The dynamic behaviour of selected columns and walls in the studied areas was characterized through experimental modal identification techniques. Finally, finite element models were developed as a first stage of the structural analysis of the monument. In the present paper, a comparison of the modal response of the structural elements under investigation is used to assess the suitability of the modelling approach and to capture behavioural trends.

 

Keywords: Archaeological remains, structural typologies, model reconstruction, operational modal analysis, numerical modelling, Huaca de la Luna