Damage Assessment of Historical Masonry Churches Subjected to Moderate Intensity Seismic Shaking

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 MW struck Cosenza (Calabria region, South Italy) and its immediate area on 24 February 2020. Although no damage was reported to ordinary masonry buildings, the ancient churches suffered widespread damage. The herein article presents an analysis failures by monumental buildings (e.g., churches) following a moderate seismic action. contribution is based in situ observation 14 churches, with dating ranging from 12th 20th century. study consists first phase, which different modes are identified, describing their causes effects, second phase that correlates detected main parameters influence response (geometric characteristics, boundary condition, floor organization, past interventions, etc.), regardless state conservation discrete for all before telluric event. From rapid visual survey, “weight” each parameter type then established. “retrofitting” interventions were decisive structure, particular regard those made aggravation mass increase stiffness.