SHM of Historic Damaged Churches

Abstract

The paper shows the results of monitoring activities to check the structural response and the level of damage of two historic monument of LAquila: San Pietro di Coppito and Santa Maria Paganica, that were damaged by the main earthquake of April 2009. The diagnostics operation was planned and carried out in situ and in laboratory to verify the integrity of the residual stiffness of the structures and to define the mechanical parameters of the material. The mechanical characterization of materials was carried out through destructive tests on samples, taken directly on site, and micro-destructive tests through single and double flat jacks. To give a first qualitative assessment of overall was used sonic test (non-destructive test) on the main macro-structure. The global structural health monitoring (SHM) was carried out through ambient vibrations to define the real dynamic behavior in serviceability state and to calculate - via a modal identification of output-only systems-the dynamic parameters (mode of vibration, frequencies, displacements and damping ratios). The aim of this research is to prove the reliability of different diagnostic methodologies, the real extent of global and local damage and the extent of the residual stiffness of the macro elements of the structures (façade, tower, walls of nave, transept) that are subjected to different mechanism of failure.