Numerical assessment of the static and seismic behaviour of the basilica of Santa Maria all’Impruneta (Italy)

Abstract The paper analyses the static behaviour and the seismic vulnerability of the Basilica of Santa Maria all’Impruneta near Florence (Italy). The static structural behaviour and the dynamic properties of the church have been evaluated using the finite element modelling technique, where the nonlinear behaviour of masonry has been taken into account by proper constitutive assumptions. A macro-modelling approach has been used based on the concepts of homogenisated material and smeared cracking and crushing constitutive law. Seismic vulnerability has been evaluated using a pushover method, and the results obtained with the nonlinear numerical model have been compared with the simplified schemes of limit analysis. The capacity of the church to withstand lateral loads is evaluated together with the expected demands resulting from seismic actions. The comparison of seismic demand vs. capacity confirms the susceptibility of this type of buildings to extensive damage and collapse, as frequently observed in similar buildings. The paper’s aim was to point out that advanced numerical analyses can offer significant information on the understanding of the actual structural behaviour of historic buildings. The methodology and the conclusions of this case study it is believed that are applicable to a wide variety of historic Basilica churches.