Experimental methodology for measuring the structural dynamic transmission damping of a cultural heritage tower

This paper presents the dynamic experimental campaign carried out on simple model related to a stocky masonry clock tower situated in the Swabian Castle of Trani (Italy). The main objective of this paper is, after estimating the main frequencies and vibration modes of the considered structure, defining the influence on the structural damping dynamic transmission of the frequency of excitement. At this aim, firstly, an accelerations’ record has been acquired simultaneously in 23 points of the tower at different levels, both due to environmental vibrations and to a series of sinusoidal forced vibrations applied at the base by using a pneumatic shaker device specify designed for the tests.