PSI - Issue 78

Valentina Buonocunto et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 169–176

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These findings highlight how topographic and demographic variables significantly influence the evolution and distribution of masonry types. The integration of these parameters into the proposed taxonomy enhances its resolution and supports more accurate, spatially differentiated seismic risk models for large-scale applications.

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Figure 4. Distribution of masonry types by (a) altitude and (b) population. Further insights into the transformation of masonry construction emerge from the comparison between two extreme construction periods: pre-1919 and post-1981. Regarding floor systems, buildings constructed before 1919 are predominantly characterized by deformable diaphragms, typically timber beam floors, which account for 55% of the stock. A very small proportion of floors, about 1%, are vaulted systems, typically found at ground level in particularly old or historically significant buildings. However, the actual percentage may be slightly underestimated due to the lack of documentation or the difficulty of performing detailed inspections. By contrast, buildings from the post-1981 period are almost entirely equipped with rigid diaphragms, with 98% featuring reinforced concrete slabs, as shown in Figure 5a. This sharp transition clearly illustrates the impact of evolving construction techniques and the implementation of seismic codes requiring rigid diaphragms to ensure box-like behavior and to prevent out-of-plane collapse mechanisms. Similarly, wall thickness varies considerably between the two periods. In pre-1919 buildings, thick masonry walls are common: 37% of those buildings fall in the 50–60 cm range, and 29% of them exceed 60 cm, consistently with the use of irregular stone masonry and the need for mass to ensure stability. By contrast, in post-1981 buildings, 89% of walls are less than 40 cm thick, reflecting the widespread use of brick masonry and structural optimization strategies focused on strength-to-weight efficiency. These distributions are shown in Figure 5b.

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Figure 5. (a) Floor systems in pre-1919 and post-1981 buildings; (b) wall thickness in pre-1919 and post-1981 buildings.