SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF COMPLEX MONUMENTAL BUILDINGS IN AGGREGATE: THE CASE STUDY OF PALAZZO DEL PODESTA’ IN MANTUA (ITALY)

The paper focuses on the performance-based assessment of monumental buildings in aggregate. It represents a very challenging issue: firstly, due to the correct interpretation of the structural behaviour in case of complex configurations, which often determine the presence of different main structures interacting trough connecting units; then, for the several critical issues posed by the modelling of such complex aggregates, which has to be able to guarantee a reliable assessment, taking into account the interaction effects, but with a reasonable computational effort. Despite these difficulties, the definition of numerical models is necessary to quantify the safety levels and support the design of proper strengthening interventions. The paper illustrates some results from nonlinear analyses developed on the case study of Palazzo del Podestà of Mantua (Italy), an important monument marginally hit by the Emilia earthquake, 2012. In particular, nonlinear static (pushover) analyses have been performed by using an equivalent frame model extended to the whole aggregate. Then, possible criteria are discussed to check for the fulfilment of performance levels taking into account also the local effects on the building units that connect the different parts of the aggregate. S. Lagomarsino, S. Cattari, S. Degli Abbati, D. Ottonelli 2