PSI - Issue 78

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

ScienceDirect

Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 2126–2132

© 2025 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of XX ANIDIS Conference organizers Abstract In Italy, school buildings serve not only as educational facilities but also as essential community shelters during seismic emergencies. However, a large portion of these structures were built prior to the implementation of modern seismic design codes, leaving them particularly susceptible to earthquake damage. This review synthesizes current insights into the seismic vulnerability of Italian schools, covering both historical masonry constructions and reinforced concrete buildings originally designed for gravity loads. The paper reviews typical damage mechanisms observed in both structural and non-structural components and emphasizes the pressing need for systematic retrofitting. A wide range of intervention strategies is discussed, from conventional techniques like steel bracing and fiber-reinforced polymers to advanced systems including base isolation and supplemental damping. Selected case studies illustrate practical applications, outcomes, and best practices. Beyond technical solutions, the review incorporates multi-criteria decision-making frameworks that consider economic, social, and environmental dimensions, offering guidance on how to prioritize interventions across large building inventories. The role of non-technical measures is also examined, such as risk education programs in schools and the implementation of early warning systems aimed at improving occupant safety and preserving educational continuity. By integrating findings from literature and real-world projects, the study identifies key areas where further research is needed — particularly in developing performance-based approaches and enhancing large-scale data management tailored to the school context. Ultimately, the review offers actionable recommendations for improving the seismic resilience of Italian schools, with broader relevance for other earthquake-prone regions. XX ANIDIS Conference A critical analysis of methods for seismic risk assessment of nonstructural elements in school buildings Cristoforo Demartino a, * Gianluca Quinci b , Fabrizio Paolacci b a Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, Largo G. B. Marzi 10, 00153 Rome, Italy b Department of Civil, Computer Science and Aeronautical Technologies Engineering, Roma Tre University, Via Vito Volterra 62, 00146, Rome, Italy

* Corresponding author. E-mail address: cristoforo.demartino@me.com

2452-3216 © 2025 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of XX ANIDIS Conference organizers 10.1016/j.prostr.2025.12.270