Stochastic Dynamic Analysis of Cultural Heritage Towers up to Collapse

This paper deals with the seismic vulnerability of monumental unreinforced masonry (URM) towers, fragility which has not yet been sufficiently studied. Thus, present fills this gap by developing models to investigate response URM towers up collapse. On mount Athos, Greece, there exist more than a hundred medieval having served mainly as campaniles or fortifications. Eight representative were selected for thorough investigation estimate their characteristics. Their history and architectural features are initially discussed two-step analysis follows: (i) limit is performed collapse mechanism locations critical cracks, (ii) non-linear explicit dynamic analyses then carried out, finite element (FE) simulations, cracks modelled interfacial surfaces derive capacity curves. A meaningful definition damage states proposed based on characteristics curves, ultimate state related The onset slight damage-state characterised formation development responsible structure. Apart from these two, another two additional also specified: moderate extensive one. Fragility curves finally generated can help assessment preservation cultural heritage towers.