Author(s)

T. Verdel & H. Helal

Abstract

Stability of Memnon colossi, Luxor, Upper Egypt T. Verdel," H. Helal^ ^ Laboratoire de mecanique des terrains, Ecole des Mines, Pare de Saurupt, 54042 Nancy Cedex, France ** Engineering center for archaeology, Faculty of engineering, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt ABSTRACT Finite element, finite difference and distinct element methods are used to understand the present status of conservation of Memnon colossi, huge egyptian statues of sandstone. The presence of mechanical cracks and the tilting of the colossi are specially tried to be explained by colossi geometry, soil plastic behavior, water table level variations and earthquakes. Conservation measures are finally proposed. INTRODUCTION The Memnon colossi are standing on the west bank of the river Nile, at Luxor, Upper-Egypt. They are made of two superimposed blocks of sandstones, erected 4300 years ago, by Amenhotep III. Their size is impressive (figure 3) and their total mass approximately equals to 850 tons

Keywords