Vulnerability assessment of masonry building typologies in seismic area and proposals for suitable structural improvement

The macro-modelling approach for the limit analysis of existing masonry buildings in seismic areas concerns the application of single or combined kinematics models involving the equilibrium of structural macro-elements. It can be more reliable in describing the real structural behaviour than common equivalent static procedures, based on the “box” behaviour of the structure and on the elasto-plastic behaviour of the masonry. The main results of the application of different procedures for the static analysis of masonry buildings in seismic area are discussed in the paper. In particular, the extensive study both on centers suffering different levels of damage due to the last Umbria-Marche earthquake occurred in Italy in 1997 (Montesanto, Campi Alto, Castelluccio di Norcia) is presented. The suitability of interventions both in damaged and hazardous sites is finally assessed by taking into account both analytical results and feasibility aspects.