Detailed Engineering Studies (DES) of

Magellans Cross Cebu City for its

Restoration, Retrofitting
and Conservation
2014

Structural Investigation Report

MAGELLAN'S CROSS CHAPEL
CEBU CITY, CEBU
1.0

INTRODUCTION

This Structural Investigation Report was prepared for the Magellan Cross Chapel at Plaza Sugbu,
Cebu City to determine its structural soundness due to the 2013 Bohol Earthquake that affected the
site. The octagonal-shaped structure is made up of 8 columns and walls made of stone masonry blocks
bonded by lime paste. Timber rafters and purlins support a roof with clay roof tiles and wooden ceiling
with a mural. The columns are irregular in shape and are considered unreinforced stone masonry
(URM).

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Detailed Engineering Studies (DES) of

Magellans Cross Cebu City for its
Restoration, Retrofitting
and Conservation
2014

2.0 STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY

A structural investigation and evaluation was performed using the ETABS structural
engineering software. A linear static procedure was developed considering static forces due to dead
load, live load and superimposed dead load. The effects of earthquake induced forces were determined
using the linear static procedure (LSP). A more advance analysis of the dynamic effects of earthquake
was developed using the response spectrum analysis (RSA) considering 12 modes of vibration with a
ground acceleration of 0.40g originating from a near source earthquake of about 20 kilometers from the
site. The effects of wind-induced forces with a speed of 200 kilometers per hour were also considered
in the overall stability analysis.

3.0 STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION RESULTS

The walls/columns were analyzed as free standing unreinforced masonry. With this concept the
stresses i.e., bending/tension, shearing strength and compressive strength, of the walls/columns and
lintels are resisted purely by the limestone and were compared with its allowable stresses. The results
show that the walls/columns and lintels are still adequate to resist all possible working load
combinations due to dead loads, live loads, earthquake and wind loads. However, the performance and
safety of the walls/columns and lintels will depend on the conditions of these structural components.
These structural components must act as solid members; hence, the recommended sealing of all
cracks should be pursued. Sealants should either be lime based mortar, epoxy, or synthetic resins.

4.0 STRUCTURAL DESIGN CRITERIA/PARAMETERS

Compressive Strength of Limestone = 35 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity = 23,000 MPa
Unit Weight = 23 kN/cu. m.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion = 0.000005/deg. Cent
Roof Live Load = 0.60 KPa

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Detailed Engineering Studies (DES) of

Magellans Cross Cebu City for its
Restoration, Retrofitting
and Conservation
2014

5.0 STRUCTURAL MODEL

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Detailed Engineering Studies (DES) of

Magellans Cross Cebu City for its
Restoration, Retrofitting
and Conservation
2014

6.0 STRUCTURAL COMPUTATIONS

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