Dynamic characterization of a modern heritage structure: the Palazzetto dello Sport by Pier Luigi Nervi

Abstract

Abstract This paper focuses on the dynamic characterization and monitoring of the Palazzetto dello Sport in Rome, a reinforced concrete structure built in 1957 by Pier Luigi Nervi. The study employs an experimental dynamic testing campaign to identify the structure’s modal properties via Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) and to develop an accurate 3D numerical model of the structure. The analysis of the dynamic features associated with the axial symmetry of the dome reveals the presence of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes with identical frequencies. The repeated modes analysis is performed using the MAC criterion validation. The selection of suitable dynamic structural characterization strategies for monitoring the exemplary twentieth-century concrete structure considered is eventually discussed. The extracted information can be used for effective structural condition assessment.