Historical and probabilistic structural analysis of the Royal ditch aqueduct in the Alhambra (Granada)

Abstract The structural and historical analysis of the aqueduct of the Alhambra is presented. In the 13th century, Muhammad I built the palatial city of the Alhambra. To provide a water supply, Muhammad I built an irrigation ditch, known as the Royal ditch. The aqueduct was reconstructed in the 18th century in ashlar masonry to replace the original one. This work analyzes the history, geometric modeling, materials and stability of the aqueduct. Due to difficulties in testing and measuring the properties and loads, the Monte Carlo analysis technique is used to analyze stability, where the input parameters are defined as probabilistic distributions. Monte Carlo analysis provides the probability of risk of collapse defined by the geometric security coefficient obtained by means of the theory of limit analysis. Additionally, this technique is used to optimize the thickness of the arch.