Castillejo de Monteagudo (Murcia, España). Análisis integral para la conservación de estructuras islámicas en regiones sísmicas

Abstract

The Castillejo of Monteagudo, which was built on second half of the twelfth century, is a fortified palace situated on rural suburbs of Murcia. It is 4 km to the northeast from the historic center of the city. This monument was part of a big almunia constitued by several emblematic buildings and some important hydRaúlic and agricultural infrastructures. It is unique in the Iberian Peninsula so its study and conservation are important to understand a not so well known historical period. The walls of this building were constructed in rammed earth and they contained one of the most important cruised patio of hispanic-muslim architecture. In spite of been listed as a Cultural Interest property its conservation state is awful. Its abandonment hinders its preservation for future generations. The Region of Murcia is an area with seismic activity. So, considering the place where the Castillejo is located, a seismic-structural study from a virtual model is executed to check its behavior in front of an earthquake. The results supply relevant information of both its current structural conservation state and its behavior or damages in case of a seismic event. That allow us to assess how urgent an intervention is and also it assures the correct way of conservation, restoration and maintenance.