Shear Vulnerability of Historical Reinforced-Concrete Structures

Modern buildings have been characterized by the rapid spread of reinforced concrete as a novel and versatile building material. Within the assessment of existing buildings, the most sensitive structures are those designed in the first half of the last century, when the theory of reinforced concrete and the detailing rules were not well established yet. This study considers the issues related to the gradual understanding the vulnerability at a territorial scale of structural typologies designed only to vertical loads. In particular, the shear behavior of the buildings in the period between 1920 and 1960 is investigated. Subsequently, the shear strength control of the structural elements of an open air stadium in the South of Italy is carried on according to Eurocode 2, the American code, ACI 318-08 and a method based on Arslan’s equation. The results are compared with those included in the original calculus report according to R.D.L. 18/7/1930 decree.