PSI - Issue 78

Alberto Lemme et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 293–300

300

5. Integrative intervention strategies Safety levels could be further improved by intervening on the demand with non-invasive interventions, which in general are isolation at the base of the buildings or the installation of oscillating masses in the buildings that control and reduce the seismic action on the structures. Seismic protection of monumental buildings with oscillating masses (ISAAC Innovative Seismic protection based on Adaptive Active Control) is a technology applicable to cultural heritage. The adaptive active control system protects historic buildings from seismic actions without modifying their load-bearing structure with respect to reversibility and invasiveness. The main components are: 1. Electromechanical actuators: devices that apply controlled horizontal forces to the structure. 2. Sensors: accelerometers and other instruments that measure the building's response in real time. 3. Control units: intelligent software (predictive algorithm) that processes signals and controls the actuators based on the building's behaviour. These systems use mechanisms that are triggered if they register a movement of the structure above a certain threshold, the force of which is modulated according to the accelerations registered. The system can be installed at the top of the building and, thanks to accelerometer sensors applied at significant points, it registers the movements of the structure and independently counteracts the inertial forces induced by the earthquake or wind. The result is increased structural damping that reduces displacements, preventing damage to the structure or sudden collapses. This approach also makes it possible to enhance seismic safety without interrupting activities or changing the external appearance of buildings.

Fig. 11. Interventions with the installation of advanced oscillating mass systems.

6. Conclusions The interaction between historical and artistic heritage and structure leads to a substantial change in the design approach that in usual practice considers these two aspects separate. Very rigid solutions that amplify certain collapse mechanisms should not be included in masonry and listed buildings. They could be a source of seismic damage as witnessed by the seismic events that have affected the Italian building heritage in recent years characterised by the execution of reinforced concrete interventions to reinforce masonry structures. Integrate restoration and consolidation work on masonry buildings with non-invasive solutions that control building oscillations and provide a higher level of protection (Active Mass Damper). References Niglio O., 2011. The “casa baraccata”: a prototype of anti-seismic architecture in the Bourbon era, Bioarchitettura no. 69, pp. 46-49. Pesso L., 1990. Seismic prevention systems: iron tie rods, casa baraccata and safety chamber (1876), in C. Barucci, The earthquake-proof house. Prototypes and patents. Materials for a history of techniques and construction sites, Rome. Caddemi, S., Caliò, I., Cannizzaro, F., Colajanni, P., Pantò, B., Ricciardi, G., 2013. An innovative approach to the modelling of framed masonry buildings. Application to a case study. In Proceedings of the XV ANIDIS National Conference “Seismic Engineering in Italy” (pp.1-10). Padova University Press.