PSI - Issue 78

Giuseppe Brandonisio et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 2162–2168

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complex masonry constructions. The term complex buildings (Sorrentino et al., 2023-a) (Sorrentino et al., 2023-b) refers to structural units within aggregates, as well as significant historical structures that have evolved over time through extensions and successive modifications. For such buildings, current code provisions regarding modelling, analysis, and seismic assessment remain rather generic (Brandonisio et al., 2020). As a result, there is a growing need within the professional community for case studies that can serve as practical references for structural engineers. In this context, the present paper investigates and discusses the typical complexities of monumental masonry buildings by means of a seismic vulnerability assessment (Valente et al., 2020) (Brandonisio and De Luca, 2021) of a case study located in Southern Italy. The structure, built between 1750 and 1756, has a rectangular footprint (157 m × 125 m) with an internal courtyard (108 m × 77 m), and is defined at each corner by square bastions (25 m × 25 m). The selected building is considered complex due to its inclusion within a larger building aggregate, as well as several structural modifications it has undergone throughout its history. These include plan extensions, the addition of new floors, and various alterations such as the introduction of misaligned openings of non-uniform dimensions across different storeys. 2. The case study: the former Cesare Battisti Barracks in Nola (Naples) 2.1. Historical evolution of the complex The case study is the former Caserma Cesare Battisti (originally known as Caserma Principe Amedeo), in Fig. 1, currently in a state of abandonment, located in Piazza d’Armi in the municipality of Nola (Naples province). The building is part of a large complex of military structures commissioned by Charles of Bourbon after the expulsion of the Austrians from Southern Italy, when Naples regained, after more than two centuries, its status as the capital of an independent Kingdom. It was built between the years 1750 and 1756.

Fig. 1 Aerial views of the case study

The complex was constructed between 1750 and 1756 under Charles III of Bourbon, and was designed by disciples of Luigi Vanvitelli. The building remained neglected for many years following the unification of Italy. However, after repeated petitions from the Municipality of Nola seeking the establishment of a cavalry regiment in the city, the government agreed in 1872 to meet this request. After the events of September 1943, during which the building was partially destroyed by retreating German forces, it ceased to serve any military function. In 1947, the municipal administration of Nola, referring to the Convention of 12 July 1872 and the subsequent contract of 4 March 1888, formally requested the return of the property (barracks, annexes, dependencies, etc.), originally owned by the municipality. This request, however, was denied on 28 November 1952. In 1972, part of one wing was reconstructed and temporarily used to house two middle schools, while the central portion of the building remained abandoned and in a ruined state. The state-owned property originally covered an area of approximately 12 hectares, serving a monumental rectangular-plan military complex. On the western front, a vast open space of about 8 hectares—known as Piazza