PSI - Issue 78

Giuseppina Uva et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1048–1055

1055

The Shell-Box Model was calibrated against a detailed reference model, the Solid Model (SM), that incorporates geometric and mechanical properties derived from prior experimental investigations and was validated through available dynamic identification. The simplified SBM reproduced inertial properties with deviations of less than 10% and the fundamental vibration mode was closely replicated in terms of both shape and period, supporting the use of the reduced model in dynamic identification tasks. Although greater discrepancies were observed for the second and third vibration modes, the SBM still reliably captured the pseudo-spectral acceleration response prescribed by the Italian Building Code, yielding results that are comparable to those obtained with the Solid Model. Push-over analyses were conducted using both models to simulate failure mechanisms triggered by out-of-plane seismic excitation. The resulting capacity curves and damage distributions showed good correspondence, confirming the effectiveness of the simplified approach. This modeling framework presents a practical and efficient tool for the seismic and structural assessment of masonry bridges, especially in situations where comprehensive data are not available, and uncertainties in geometry, material properties, and seismic input must be managed. By enabling extensive nonlinear simulations with minimal computational cost, the approach supports probabilistic assessments and facilitates informed decisions for maintenance, retrofitting, and preservation efforts. Its application to real-world scenarios demonstrates its potential to integrate uncertainty and degradation effects into seismic vulnerability evaluations - a critical component in safeguarding historical masonry infrastructure. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge the support of Fabre - “Research Consortium for the evaluation and monitoring of bridges, viaducts, and other structures” (www.consorziofabre.it) through the project “FABRE-ANAS 2021–2024”. The manuscript reflects only the authors’ views and opinions; neither the European Union nor the European Commission or FABRE Consortium can be considered responsible for them. References Abaqus, G., 2011. Abaqus 6.11. Dassault Systemes Simulia Corporation, Providence, RI, USA, 3. Casolo, S., Sanjust, C. A. (2009). Seismic analysis and strengthening design of a masonry monument by a rigid body spring model: The "Maniace Castle" of Syracuse. Engineering Structures, 31 (7), 1447-1459. D’altri, A. M., Sarhosis, V., Milani, G., Rots, J., Cattari, S., Lagomarsino, S., ... & De Miranda, S., 2020. Modeling strategies for the computational analysis of unreinforced masonry structures: review and classification. Archives of computational methods in engineering , 27, 1153-1185. Fédération Internationale du Béton. Model Code 2010. Bulletin/Fédération Internationale du Béton, International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib): Lausanne, Switzerland, 2010; ISBN 978-2-88394-095-6.v. Leprotti, L., Pelà, L., Aprile, A., & Benedetti, A., 2010. Control node identification in nonlinear seismic analysis of masonry arch bridges. In Proceedings of the eighth international masonry conference, Dresden (pp. 1113-122). Modena, C., Tecchio, G., Pellegrino, C., da Porto, F., Donà, M., Zampieri, P., & Zanini, M. A., 2015. Reinforced concrete and masonry arch bridges in seismic areas: typical deficiencies and retrofitting strategies. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering , 11(4), 415-442. Pelà, L., Aprile, A., & Benedetti, A., 2013. Comparison of seismic assessment procedures for masonry arch bridges. Construction and Building Materials, 38, 381-394. MIT, Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti, 2018, Aggiornamento delle «Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni», Decreto Ministeriale 17 gennaio 2018, Supplemento Ordinario alla “Gazzetta Ufficiale” n. 42 del 20 febbraio 2018 - Serie generale [in italian]. MIT, Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti, 2019, Istruzioni per l’applicazione dell’«Aggiornamento delle “Norme tecniche per le costruzioni”» di cui al Decreto Ministeriale 17 gennaio 2018, Supplemento Ordinario alla “Gazzetta Ufficiale” n. 35 del 11 febbraio 2019 - Serie generale. Rainone, L. S., Tateo, V., Casolo, S., & Uva, G. (2023). About the use of concrete damage plasticity for modeling masonry post-elastic behavior. Buildings, 13(8), 1915.