Variation of the Structural Dynamic Characteristics of the Great Pyramid with the Limestone Properties

Abstract

The great pyramid has existed for several millenniums and persisted several natural disasters. Within this study the structural dynamic characteristics of the great pyramid were studied through modelling the great pyramid using finite element software. An Eigen-value modal analysis was performed generating the natural periods of vibration and the corresponding modes of vibration. These natural periods were compared to the dominant periods of earthquakes in order to judge the degree of the response to loading and whether it is resonant or not. The effect of variation in the properties of the limestone used in the pyramid construction was included in the study by studying a wide range of values of the modulus of elasticity. The findings of the study were found to be valid and representative.