On the vulnerability of historical masonry structures: analysis and mitigation

This work presents a methodological approach to the study of historical structures in particularly hazardous conditions. Preliminary knowledge, diagnostic methods and assessment procedures are selected and proposed for specific structural problems, in order to define proper improvement techniques to increase safety levels according to preservation and restoration criteria. Both stone and brick masonry structures, and their performance under severe horizontal (seismic) and vertical (high-compression) actions, respectively, are examined. The use of traditional, modern and innovative materials and techniques is also discussed, in the light of experimental validation, in order to calibrate analytical and numerical models for reliable analyses and simulations.