PSI - Issue 78

Eugênio Moreira et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1967–1974

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Fig. 3. Accelerogram showing a real earthquake registered in Monte Urbino Station, on 2021 / 05 / 15, 07:56. Source: INVG Strong Motion Data.

Fig. 4. Comparative inclination analysis across tested seismic amplification scenarios.

The no amplification (1 × ) scenario (PGA = 0 . 139m / s 2 ) produces minimal deviation from baseline: post-seismic amplitudes and daily averages remain similar, indicating purely elastic behavior and preservation of the thermal re sponse. In contrast, the 10 × scenario (PGA = 1 . 39m / s 2 ) initiates measurable changes, with daily averages starting to increase, although the overall cyclic thermal pattern is still evident. The incremental di ff erence between 1 × and 10 × mirrors that observed between 10 × and20 × , suggesting the onset of progressive (rather than abrupt) damage e ff ects. At 20 × amplification (PGA = 2 . 78m / s 2 ), the wall shows its most significant absolute displacement: post-seismic inclinations reach 50 mdeg. Despite this, diurnal cycling persists, though altered. The numerical model indicates redistribution of strain accommodation throughout the system (Fig. 5), signifying severe responsive damage. The30 × scenario (PGA = 4 . 17m / s 2 ) presents a distinct damage pattern. While displacement is moderate (reaching 35 mdeg), the amplitude of thermal cycles is severely suppressed. The thermal response flattens considerably, indicat ing a loss of the wall’s sensitivity and dynamic interaction with thermal loading, even if the geometric change is less dramatic. Systematic analysis across amplification scenarios reveals non-monotonic trends: the 20 × case presents extreme displacement with partial coupling preservation, while the 30 × case demonstrates moderate displacement but severe loss of thermal-mechanical response capability. The close correspondence between model predictions and monitored inclination across scenarios validates the integrated thermal-mechanical-seismic approach for heritage masonry sys tems.

6. Discussion and Conclusions

The integrated monitoring and modeling framework developed here enables accurate assessment of heritage wall behavior, highlighting that absolute displacement alone does not fully describe structural damage. Results show that suppressed post-seismic thermal amplitude reflects loss of composite wall behavior, indicating that changes in ther mal response can be used as indicators of accumulated damage. Reliable assessment requires consideration of both displacement and thermal response patterns.