PSI - Issue 78

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

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Fig. 6. Most probable collapse mechanisms of “Pirro del Balzo” Castle: (a) overturning of “loggia”; (b) vertical bending of w all.

The results of non-destructive tests and structural monitoring are used for the calibration of the numerical model of the Castle, developed using FEM software (CDMa Win). Out-of-plane collapse analyses are carried out using limit equilibrium analysis based on the kinematic approach, which relies on the selection of a collapse mechanism and the evaluation of the horizontal action required to activate such kinematic behavior. The method involves transforming a portion of the structure into a mechanism by identifying rigid bodies bounded by potential fracture planes. With reference to the wall of the “loggia” on the inner courtyard of the Castle, with a roof composed by timber trusses, and to the adjacent wall located near the staircase between the ground floor and the first floor, lacking an intermediate horizontal connection, the local collapse mechanisms are assessed. The results highlight that the most probable out of-plane mechanisms result associated with overturning behavior of the “loggia” wall (Fig. 6a) and bending behavior of the adjacent wall (Fig. 6b). The results obtained are the basis for developing design methods for innovative retrofit interventions of masonry buildings to mitigate their vulnerability. 3. Conclusions A multidisciplinary methodology has been employed in this research, integrating historical-critical analysis and vibration-based structural monitoring. In particular, an archetypal building in the historical center of Matera and “Pirro del Balzo” Castle in Venosa have been analyzed. Referring to the archetype, modal analysis has been performed and the simple out-of-plane overturning of the load bearing walls has been investigated through a parametric linear kinematic analysis. Instead, in-situ vibration measurements have been carried out on “ Pirro del Balzo ” Castle, and the main collapse mechanisms are examined. Research activities are conducted within the PON GENESIS Project framework, aimed at the seismic risk management for tourist valorization of the historical centers of Southern Italy. The findings derived from the historical-critical analysis and the in-situ tests are indispensable for the accurate calibration of numerical models and the comprehensive assessment of collapse mechanisms. Future studies will present ongoing numerical analyses of structures examined in this paper. The goal is to accurately assess their seismic performance and develop robust strengthening methods to reduce their vulnerability. Acknowledgements The study presented in this article was funded by the Project GENESIS: SEISMIC RISK MANA GE ME N T FOR THE TOURISTIC VALORISATION OF TH E HI S TOR I CAL CENTERS OF S OUTHERN ITALY . PON MIUR “Research and Innovation” 2014 - 2020 and FSC. D.D. 13/07/2017 n. 1735. Industrial research and experimental development projects in the 12 Smart Specialization areas. Specialization area: Cultural Heritage. Project Code ARS01_00883. The opinions and conclusions presented by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the funding agency. References

D'Amato, M., Sulla, R., 2021. Investigations of masonry churches seismic performance with numerical models: application to a case study. Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering 21(161). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s43452-021-00312-5