Models for Vulnerability Analysis of Monuments and Strengthening Criteria

The impact of earthquakes on monumental heritage is a critical issue in areas of ancient civilisation. Each monumental building requires specific strengthening techniques, strongly related to a clear understanding of all factors affecting its vulnerability. The researchers are paying growing attention to the development of specific procedures for vulnerability assessment of monuments. An accurate study of the effects of past earthquakes is the first step to understand the seismic behaviour of old structures and allows qualitative assessment of vulnerability. Ad hoc mechanical models, simple enough to perform a large amount of parametric analyses, allow quantitative estimate. The experience of past events can guide the designer in selecting specific interventions aimed to limit specific vulnerability factors, as will be shown with an example; simplified mechanical models can give a quantification of the effectiveness of selected interventions.