AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course addresses the structural safety of historic buildings, particularly those with masonry construction, as an integral part of the conservation project. Tools are provided to assess their response to gravity loads, based on knowledge and diagnostic investigations, to interpret their behavior over time, and formulate a diagnosis of their current state. Potential damage and collapse mechanisms are classified and recognized based on crack pattern analysis. Proper attention is also given to assessing seismic performance, which often causes significant damage to monumental heritage. An overview of the history of different approaches to strengthening interventions becomes essential for informed actions today, with the goal of ensuring safety and conservation.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is organized through seminar lectures.

Topics 1, 2, 4, and 5 are presented by Professor Calderini.

Topics 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are presented by Professor Lagomarsino.

Students will also review their work on the case studies.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Structural safety and conservation of historic buildings: evolution of approaches and regulations
2. Historical evolution of strengthening interventions and approaches
3. Investigations and knowledge paths of historic structures
4. Crack patterns analysis for the recognition of damage mechanisms
5. Fundamentals of masonry mechanics and an overview of modeling approaches
6. Limit analysis for the static load verification of arches, vaults, and domes
7. Limit analysis for the out-of-plane response of local mechanisms
8. Seismic analysis of masonry structures
9. Provisional interventions (shoring, etc.)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS