PSI - Issue 78

Michele D’Amato et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1490–1496

1491

1. Introduction Masonry buildings are a significant component of our built environment. This has led to a growing scientific interest in modeling and analyzing their seismic performance [Sulla et al. (2023a), Sulla et al. (2023b), Sulla et al. (2024a), Lo Monaco et al. (2024), Palmiotta et al. (2025), Sulla et al. (2025)], also by means of simplified procedures, as in Mattei et al. (2025), giving great importance to the phases of knowledge and monitoring , as in D’Amato et al. (2025) . Recent advancements in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and damage detection methodologies [Ditommaso et al. (2012), Ditommaso et al. (2015), Iacovino et al. (2018), Ditommaso and Ponzo (2024), Ditommaso et al. (2024)], combined with updated guidelines for conservation and adaptive reuse, have substantially contributed to the development of safer, more cost-effective, and context-sensitive retrofitting strategies. In this framework, dynamic identification and monitoring techniques not only support the calibration of numerical models for vulnerability assessment, the design, and the verification of retrofit interventions, but also enable the implementation of predictive maintenance strategies by allowing the early detection of anomalous structural behavior, thus improving long-term performance and resilience. It is essential to safeguard these buildings, especially historically significant ones like churches, D’Amato and Sulla (2021), while also considering appropriate intervention strategies [Sulla et al. (2024b), Palmiotta et al. (2024), Sulla et al. (2024c)]. The conservation and seismic risk mitigation of existing cultural heritage is an increasingly significant aspect of national policies. A significant portion of the world heritage structures comprises masonry historical and monumental typologies, including churches, towers, and castles. These particular assets are characterized by elevated susceptibility to seismic actions. This vulnerability is primarily attributable to their inherent morphological characteristics and the mechanical properties of their constituent materials. To conduct truly reliable seismic assessments of these buildings, a multidisciplinary approach is indispensable. Preliminary findings from ongoing research on two buildings located in Matera and in Venosa, Southern Italy, are presented in this paper. Specifically, the preliminary results of the modal analysis performed one of the archetypes characterizing the historic center of Matera are presented. Then, a parametric linear kinematic analysis is performed, focusing on the simple out-of-plane overturning of the load-bearing walls of the archetype investigated. Furthermore, non-destructive on site tests and ambient vibration tests are performed and used to calibrate the numerical model of the “Pirro del Balzo” Castle in Venosa, and main collapse mechanisms are investigated. Research activities are being conducted within the PON GENESIS Project framework, aimed at the seismic risk management for tourist valorization of the historic centers of Southern Italy, through a multidisciplinary approach, involving surveying and structural monitoring activities, design of retrofitting interventions and laboratory experimental tests. 2. Matera historic center The Italian city of Matera is located in the eastern part of the Basilicata region, having an altitude of 401 m above sea level. As shown in Fig. 1, its historic center is constituted by the so called “Sassi”, in particular the “Sasso Caveoso” and the “Sasso Barisano”, with the “Civita” in the middle. It is primarily composed of structures that are either built or carved directly from a local sedimentary rock. This rock, commonly known as “tufo”, is scientifically classified as calcarenite of biochemical origin, and is known for its porous and workable nature. The open cave carved directly into the rock represents the first housing form of the early inhabitants of Matera. Over time, peasant dwellings evolved significantly. This progression started with the “cave house” and the “lamione” during the medieval perio d, eventually leading to the development of various types of more elaborate “palatial houses”. Further and more detailed information may be found in Giuffrè and Carocci (1997). This work reports the preliminary results of the modal analysis conducted on one of the archetypes within the “Sassi”. A parametric assessment is made by means of linear kinematic analysis. In particular, the simple out -of-plane overturning mechanism of th e “lamione” load -bearing walls is investigated.