SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF MASONRY WALLS OF THE BASILICA OF

IMMACULADA CONCEPCION IN BATANGAS CITY: STATIC LINEAR

AND TIME HISTORY FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Rhea S. de Ocampo1 and Joseph Berlin P. Juanzon2

ABSTRACT: On October 15, 2013 a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol and Cebu,
claiming lives as well as destroying several historical buildings. Many of which were churches
built over centuries ago. The Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion located in Batangas city is
a massive masonry structure that was built in 1857. This study presents the seismic assessment
of the structure of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Batangas City. In this paper the
historical sketch of the basilica’s structure and the geometrical and mechanical properties of the
materials used in its construction were presented. An in-situ survey of the church structure was
conducted to produce a more accurate model of the church. Static linear and dynamic nonlinear
(Time History Analysis) finite element methods were used in the seismic analysis of the basilica
using the structural analysis program SAP2000 version 17. Result shows a large amount of
compressive stress on the façade with as much as 12,433.75 MPa, especially in the openings
which may result in possible collapse if not prevented in the event of powerful future
earthquake. The right side of the main structure also showed a visible deflection with as much
as 30mm, but may not necessarily be in serious damage in the event of a future earthquake.

KEYWORDS: century old church; finite element model; static linear analysis; time history
analysis; nonlinear dynamic analysis

1. INTRODUCTION
On October 15, 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol and Cebu, claiming lives as well
as destroying several historical buildings, many of which were churches built over a century ago.
Some of these churches include San Pedro Apostol in Loboc, Our Lady of Light in Loon, and
Santa Cruz Parish Church in Maribojoc (Ranada P, 2013).In another example, the façade and
bell tower of Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion basilica in Baclayon was completely
destroyed. Other churches in Loay, Dauis, Dimiao, and Tubigon also suffered heavy damage
(Ranada, 2013). The damage to these buildings indicates that not only structural vulnerabilities
are there within these historical structures, but also these structural vulnerabilities make for a
potentially hazardous situation regarding human lives and property.

The Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion, located in Batangas city, is a massive masonry
structure that was built in 1857. During construction, it was designed to withstand vertical loads;
however, with slender walls, lack of horizontal structures, weak or nonexistent connections
among structural elements, and an absence of effective tie-rods to absorb arch truss (Gentilini et
al., 2013) puts the basilica at significant risk severe damage and/or total destruction after an
earthquake. These aspects, in addition to poor material performance, especially in tensile stress
mode (Gentilini, 2012), are among the reasons why historical churches often collapse during
earthquakes.
The structural analysis of a new masonry building is a relatively simple task, whereas the
assessment of the seismic vulnerability of an ancient masonry building is more challenging
because of the uncertainties affecting the geometrical and the mechanical characteristics of the
structural elements (Casarin et al., 2006). Each masonry building is characterized by its own
history and its actual configuration which includes the result of fusions, additions, and
replacements of structural elements. Thus, a correct structural analysis of a historic building
requires extensive knowledge of: (a) the building’s history and its evolution across time; (b) its
geometry; (c) its structural details; (d) cracking pattern(s) and damage map; (e) its masonry
construction techniques (Sevirio et al.,1997; Laurenco, 2002)

Throughout history dozens of researchers and structural engineers have researched, studied, and
have analyzed old masonry structures. In Italy, for example, where earthquakes are often severe,
most researchers have focused on the preservation of historical masonry structures. In a similar
fashion, this paper will present a seismic analysis of the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion
in Batangas City Philippines with the eventual hope that future preservation efforts will include
making it more structurally stable. It will also include a historical sketch of the basilica’s
structure and the geometrical and mechanical properties of the materials used in its construction.
Static linear and dynamic nonlinear finite element methods were used in the analysis of the
basilica. The specific assumption, based on available research and literature of the material
properties, will also be considered during the analysis, as well. Static linear and nonlinear time
history analysis was performed using SAP2000 version 17 engineering software. Finally, the
results of this research and a recommendation will be presented at the end of this study.

The Basilica of Immaculate Concepcion, as one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, has
become vulnerable to earthquake loads. Cracks are visible on the basilica’s walls and other
structures, which makes for a possible future collapse of the building itself in the future. The
basilica’s structure shares many similarities with churches that have collapsed in Bohol during
the October 15, 2013 magnitude 7.2 earthquake. In addition, many of the churches and basilica
were built during the same era as the Immaculate Concepcion basilica (1700s through late 1800s)
share the same geometrical style of the building (mostly buttress type) were built using coral
stones. This study specifies several key problems: (1) lack of information pertaining to blueprint
drawings of the basilica and material properties that would be most useful for further research
aside from this study; (2) relatively few studies conducted in this country on century-old and
older structures; (3) the possible collapsed of a significant portion, or perhaps the entire, basilica
in the future.

This study aims to analyze the masonry wall structure of the Immaculate Concepcion Basilica.
Since many massive structures such as the basilica are vulnerable to earthquake loads, it is likely
another candidate for possible earthquake damage in the future. The primary objectives of this
study are to: (1) provide as-built drawings for the church that can be used for further study of the
structure, as well as to conduct a site survey and gather measurement data that will be required
for analysis; (2) analyze the structure using static linear and nonlinear time history analysis by
finite element method using structural software SAP2000; (3) locate the most stressed parts of
the basilica’s structure and determine if any needed modifications and/or strengthening might be
warranted to prevent future life- threatening damage as a result of a natural disaster.
In addition to possibly saving lives in the event of a future catastrophic earthquake and collapse
of the Immaculate Concepcion Basilica, this study’s structural analysis could be used as a
baseline for any possible future studies and analyses of historical structures throughout the
country. Furthermore, historic built heritage represents an economic concern especially in
contexts where tourism has become one of a major source of wealth. Therefore, preserving
historic constructions is a cultural requirement and an economic and developmental demand
(Bowitz et al., 2009).

The analysis of the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion will be analyzed based on the
following scope and delimitation: (1) wind loads will not be considered in the analysis of the
structure for the study only focus in the seismic behavior of the structure, (2) this study will only
focus on the main building and not on the bell tower located just besides the main building’s
structure as well as the new structure use as an extension of the church building because they are
made up of reinforce concrete unlike the main structure made of masonry, (3) the roof load and
other dead loads, aside from the weight of the structure itself, will not be considered in the
analysis due to unavailability of upper roof data.

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Gathering of data

2.1.1 Geometrical data

Built in 18th century, the Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion is a buttress type structure. The
plan layout of the basilica was measured on-site. The geometric data of the basilica was
measured using total station and steel tape. A centerline was established directly below the center
dome of the structure. An offset line was measured perpendicular to the centerline. Grid lines
were established at every buttress of the building. The vertical height of the church structure was
measured using total station.

2.1.2 Material property

The material property is one of the most important parameters to be considered before analyzing
the building’s structure. The basilica was built during the 18th century and the materials used
were masonry consisting of coral rocks and lime. Due to the unavailability of materials for
testing, literature from published researches were used. The coral rock’s compressive strength, as
well as Young’s modulus (E) and specific weight (γ), were taken from the available data
acquired by other researchers. Poisson’s coefficient (ν), which gave an average value, the same
as concrete, was used. The shear modulus (G), and coefficient of thermal expansion (°C), was
computed using empirical formulas.

2.1.3 Geotechnical property

The stability of the soil upon which the foundation of a structure stands greatly affects the
performance of the building during earthquake. The basilica is surrounded by many other
buildings as high as three-stories, and so the soil investigation results were readily available. An
interpolation was used to gather the data needed.
2.1.4 Finite element model

The structural analysis of the basilica was approached by a 3D finite element model using
SAP2000 version 17.1 software. The data measurement gathered from actual site was drawn to
“as built” drawings and was then generated into 3D drawings using AutoCAD. The 3D model
from AutoCAD was imported to an extension file and transferred to SAP2000 for analysis. The
model was then generated into mesh and divided into nodes and solid elements.

2.2 Seismic analysis

In this study, the basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion was analyzed using both linear static
and time history analyses. The software performed the static analysis using the finite element
model. The combination load used was the weight of the structure and earthquake load generated
by the software. The weight of the roof was not included in the analysis as is noted as a
limitation of this study due to unavailable data. The other method used was a nonlinear dynamic
or time history analysis. In this method, the same finite element model was used. Data pertaining
to ground motion acceleration was used from those acquired from the Northbridge Earthquake
and was used in the model to find out the behavior of the structure of the said ground motions.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The plan layout and views of the basilica, as measured and investigated at the actual site, is
presented in Figure 1a, b, and c. The floor plan is the same as that presented in the old blueprint
except an additional extension from grid 5 to grid 6. The church has a transverse length of 37.05-
meter wall to wall distance and 88.8 meters longitudinal length. Each buttress has a height of
approximately 12 meters and a thickness of 2.8 meters. The ground floor is made of masonry,
specifically coral stone, while the roof and upper part of the church is made of timber.

There is no record that can prove what material combination was used in cementing the coral
stones of the subject structure. The basilica was made up of coral stone which was abundant in
Batangas during the basilica’s construction. The coral stone mechanical properties cannot be
obtained from the actual location for testing, but available literature was used for the coral
material properties as presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Mechanical properties of coral (Source: Biomaterials by J.Y.Wong et al. (2007)

Units Properties 50% porous Dense

fm (N/mm2) Compressive Strength 26 395

E (N/mm2) Young’s Modulus 8000 100000
G (N/mm2) Shear Modulus 3076.92 38461.54
V Poisson’s Ratio 0.3
A (°C) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 1.170x10-5
γ (kN/m3) Specific Weight 20.8 (average)
The structural analysis of the masonry building of the basilica was conducted by 3D Finite
Element model. An in-situ survey of the building was made to accurately model the geometry,
the structural details, and the irregularities of the structure of the basilica. The openings were
included in the model to give a more realistic rendering of the results. The roof and wooden
structure above the main structure were not included in the model. The model was generated
using SAP200 computer software. A static linear analysis for the basilica’s masonry structure
was performed. Although a static linear analysis is much more basic, compared to other more
sophisticated and complex method of analysis, still, it could yield acceptable results, especially
in low rise type of structures. In this analysis, two load combinations were used: the dead load
coming from the weight of the structure itself and the earthquake load as generated by computer
program. Figure 2 shows the distribution of stresses in the structure using static linear analysis.
The same finite element model with fixed base support was first analyzed using modal analysis
to determine the structure’s natural frequency and mode shape and was then followed by time
history analysis using time history records of Northbridge earthquake. Modal analysis uses a
maximum value of 12 modes and Eigenvector mode type. The structure was then further
analyzed by a nonlinear analysis and a direct integration type of solution. Figure 3 shows the
distribution of stresses and deflection in the structure using time history analysis.

Figure1. The plan layout and views of the basilica

 Figure 2. Distribution of stresses in the structure using static linear analysis.

Figure 3. Distribution of stresses and deflection in the structure using time history analysis.
4. Conclusion and Recommendation

The history of the church structure has confirmed the in-situ site survey of the church geometry
that helps to produce the as built drawings of the church with respect to the basilica’s structure.
The right side of the main structure showed a visible deflection with as much as 30mm, but may
not necessarily in serious damaged in the event of a future earthquake however stiffening would
also be recommended to prevent damage in the future. The two methods (static linear and time
history analysis) matched with the results regarding the distribution of stresses in the main
structure and especially on the façade. The façade yielded the greatest value of joint
displacements, base reactions, and stress distributions. The result of this study shows a large
amount of compressive stress on the façade with as much as 12,433.75 MPa especially in the
openings which may result in possible collapse if not prevented in the event of powerful future
earthquake. Retrofitting of the façade, or other means of stiffening, may help to prevent a future
collapse. Strengthening the building by making it a box-type structure, by adding steel chains, or
by connecting every adjacent corner wall is also recommended.

REFERENCES

Ranada, P. (October 15, 2013). "Heartbreaking: 10 iconic churches in Bohol, Cebu damaged". Rappler.

Gentilini, E., Franzoni, S., Bandini, and L. Nobile (2012). “Effect of salt crystallization on the shear
behaviour of masonry walls: an experimental study,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 37, pp.
181–189.

Casarin, F., Modena, M. (November 2006). Structural assessment and seismic vulnerability analysis of
the Reggio Emilia Cathedral, Italy. In Proceeding of Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions, New
Delhi, India, 6–8.

Siviero, E., Barbieri, A. and Foraboschi, P.(Italy 1997). Lettura Strutturale Delle Costruzioni (in Italian);
CittàStudiEdizioni: Milano.

Lourenço, P.B.(2002). Computations on historic masonry structures. Prog. Struct. Eng. Mater,4, 301–
319.

Bowitz, E. and Ibenholt, K.(2009) Economic impacts of cultural heritage—Research and perspectives. J.
Cult. Herit, 10, 1–8.

Cultural Center of the Philippines (1994). CCP Encylopedia of the Art Volume III Philippine
Architecture, Manila Philippines

Wong J.Y., Bronzino J. D. (2007) Biomaterials, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton FL.
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR
1
Rhea S. de Ocampo, MSCE is a faculty member of Batangas State University, where she
obtained her BS Civil Engineering degree and MSCE major in structural at Mapua Institute of
Technology. She is currently teaching at Batangas State University handling subjects such as
theory of structures, reinforced concrete design and earthquake engineering.

E-mail: [email protected]
2
Joseph Berlin P Juanzon, MSCM, PhDM, is an associate professor of Mapua Institute of
Technology and a part-time faculty member of De La Salle University – Manila. He obtained his
BS Civil Engineering at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, MSCM degree at Polytehnic
University of the Philippines, and PhD at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba. He is
currently the VP/Director for project management of AC Ong Consulting Inc. His research
specializes on concrete technology and construction quality management systems.

E-mail: [email protected]