FINITE ELEMENTS ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURAL BEHAVIORU OF SPANISH FORTIFICATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES APPLYING OF THE ASCE 7-10 STANDAR AND SIMULATION OF IMPACTS AND EXPLOSIONS.

Abstract

The work of Spanish Military Engineers in the United States is a little-known and studied topic. However, throughout the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, 37 Military Engineers at the service of Spain, designed all kinds of constructions and elaborated maps and plans in U.S.; covering these works from Florida to California. These engineers had a common education in fortifications. However, this will not prevent it from adapting to the characteristics of the different territories. The objective of this study is to analyze, by the calculation of finite elements, the defensive characteristic elements of these masonry walls fortifications and analyze the behavior against meteorological and geological risks through the application of United States regulation; ASCE 7-10 and ASCE 24-05. Specifically, we have conducted the study on the Castillo de San Marcos in Saint Augustine, Florida. The impact of projectiles on the walls was analyzed. The destructive risk against accidental explosions and the behavior of the gunpower rooms before explosions was also analyzed. Keywords: Military Engineers, Finite Element Analysis, Fortifications, Gunpowder rooms, Castillo de San Marcos.