Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Vibrations on Cultural Heritage Structures in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul: A Case Study on Alayköşkü

The Historic Peninsula of Istanbul hosts a dense accumulation of monumental structures that are highly vulnerable to environmental vibrations induced by urban transportation systems and construction activities. This study evaluates the structural implications of traffic and tram induced vibrations on cultural heritage buildings through the case of Alayköşkü Pavilion, located only one meter from a tramway curve. Field measurements were conducted using a three-axis Güralp microtremor sensors.The measured peak particle velocity (PPV) of 5.63 mm/s exceeds the sensitivity thresholds defined in major international standards DIN 4150-3 (2.5 mm/s), Caltrans (3.05 mm/s), and FTA (5.08 mm/s); indicating a high-risk condition. The findings reveal that the cumulative effects of low-frequency but continuous vibrations can accelerate micro-crack propagation, mortar joint loosening, and material fatigue in masonry structures. It is emphasized that limit values alone are insufficient for risk assessment; soil–structure interaction, material heterogeneity, and urban morphology must also be considered. The study proposes a multi-layered protection strategy integrating continuous monitoring, risk zoning, source mitigation, and regulation revision to ensure the sustainable conservation of heritage assets exposed to recurrent dynamic loads. Although limited by measurement duration and spatial coverage, this research contributes to establishing a data-driven framework for early-warning and preventive conservation in vibration-sensitive heritage structures.