Numerical analysis of grand pillared halls and chambers in Egypt’s largest royal tomb of Seti I

The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is the largest, deepest, and most elaborately adorned tomb in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings. This structural distinction has rendered it vulnerable to irreversible deterioration and structural deficiency, exacerbated by historic and recent flooding, humidity fluctuations, and the inherent instability of marl and Esna shale. This study evaluates the structural integrity of Seti I’s grand pillared hall and burial chamber with vaulted ceiling. The analysis of strain and stress could be used for indicating the grade on deterioration and proposed a mechanism for restoration. Using PLAXIS 3D software, the analysis identifies structural vulnerabilities attributable to geostatic loads, flash flooding and geo-environmental factors, in the lowermost chambers of the tomb, stresses is highest not only from overburden but also from swelling of the shale. Also the results confirm the insufficient load-bearing capacity of support pillars in the grand halls and chambers compared to current geotechnical standards.