HISTORICAL REINFORCED CONCRETE HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

Non-ductile reinforced concrete structures built in seismic areas before modern design codes were introduced are an important fraction of the building stock worldwide and strongly condition its vulnerability. Some of these buildings, for their architectural and historical characteristics, are now considered part of the cultural heritage of their countries. As a consequence, special considerations may apply in assessing their vulnerability and, particularly, in defining possible intervention criteria for their seismic improvement. The case of two high-rise buildings of particular value in Italy, the Velasca Tower and the Pirelli Building in Milano, Italy, are examined. The design data available for the two buildings made possible to evaluate the response to loads and seismic action currently imposed by design codes, permitting to assess their adequacy and to develop some general onsiderations on historical concrete buildings in seismic areas.