PSI - Issue 78

Antonella Ranaldo et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 552–559

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for masonry structures is considered the elastic response spectrum of the horizontal seismic action for LSLS. While, in the case of Belinţ, a g,LSLS = 0.150 g. The elastic horizontal seismic action is defined by considering a return period T R = 225 years (20% in 50 years POE) and a damping ratio equal to 5%, according to the Romanian Design Code (R.D.C., 2013). Furthermore, the design spectrum is obtained by assuming a behavior factor q = 2 for Matera, and q = 1.5 for Belinţ. Fig. 1b illustrates the elastic and design spectra obtained for both cities. A comparison between the response spectra defined for Matera and Belinţ considered in this study is reported in Fig. 1b. 2.1. Saint Fransis of Assisi Church Saint Fransis of Assisi Church is a Catholic church built with regular masonry of squared blocks in local calcarenite stone, often improperly called “ tuff ” . It evolved significantly from the 13th to the 17th century, expanding from its original layout. It features a single nave and two side aisles used as chapels. Its current configuration dates back to the 17th century, with subsequent Baroque additions implemented into the original Romanesque design during the 18th century (AA. VV., 1986), visible in the main façade and interior stucco works. The structure, whose floor plan measures approximately 22 m by 37 m, has walls ranging from 0.80 m to 1.70 m thick, built using core-and-veneer masonry. The central nave has a 20th-century metal and clay ceiling, while other areas are covered by different vaulting systems, each 0.25 m thick. Fig. 2 shows some graphical elaborations of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, including its main and side façade elevations, floor plan, and a 3D model.

Fig. 2. Main and side façade elevations, floor plan and 3D modelling of Saint Fransis of Assisi Church.

2.2. Jesus Resurrection Church Jesus Resurrection Church is an Orthodox church located in Belinţ (Romania). It was built in 1797 using local clay bricks. It is an isolated church, single-nave rectangular structure measuring approximately 11.30 m by 28.80 m, featuring a circular apse and perimeter walls varying from 0.70 m to 1.70 m in thickness. Internally, the church consists of a pronaos, also referred to as narthex; a naos, or central nave; an iconostasis, usually built of wood, which separates the naos from the altar; and finally, an east-oriented altar, named as sanctuary. The nave is covered by ribbed vaults alternated with depressed arches 0.30m thick, while the main façade presents a central bell tower with a wooden spire. Both the steeply pitched wooden pseudo-truss roof and the belfry are finished with galvanized sheet metal. For this church, Fig. 3 also reports the main and side façade elevations, floor plan, and a 3D model.

Fig. 3. Main and side façade elevations, floor plan and 3D modelling of Jesus Resurrection Church.