Experimental Investigations and Numerical Simulations for the Seismic Assessment of a Masonry Building

In Europe, a significant part of the existing building stock is composed by masonry structures, and, in many cases, these structures are located in seismic areas. They were built based on the empirical expertise of their constructors, and, therefore, are characterised by several construction solutions, different materials, and a high vulnerability to earthquakes. Moreover, during their long service life these buildings have been subjected to damage, degradation, and interventions to adapt them to the new performance demands. All these aspects make quite difficult the evaluation of the safety level of masonry structure, and several approaches are still debated for the definition of accurate numerical models for seismic assessment purpose. The present paper discusses the performed investigations and the defined numerical model for the evaluation of the safety level of a masonry structure characterised by two floors, by the presence of wooden roofs and masonry vaults at the first level, and by a pitched roof whose elements are made of wood. The building is located in a seismic area and is utilised as a church. The analysis of the documentation, the geometrical survey and the visual and experimental investigations have been utilised to define its level of knowledge, and to calibrate a numerical model for vulnerability evaluation.