Giuseppe Brandonisio

This study proposes a simplified, mechanics-based methodology for assessing the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) churches, particularly those with basilica plans and cathedral portal frames such as a repetitive inclined-beam portal frame. The method integrates linear and nonlinear static analyses, plastic limit theory, and capacity spectrum methods to generate seismic risk indices using minimal input data, making it suitable for large-scale screening in low-data conditions. The model is calibrated using the Cathedral of Reggio Calabria and applied to the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini in Naples. Key outputs include simplified capacity curves and performance indicators. The methodology addresses current limitations in conventional approaches by offering an accessible tool for rapid assessment of cultural infrastructure. Future developments may incorporate AI and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to improve typological classification and enable automated vulnerability screening at the regional scale.

This paper presents a combined approach for the seismic vulnerability assessment of pitched portal frames by coupling elastic and limit analysis. Pitched portal frames are widely adopted both in civil and industrial building structures, as well as in architectural heritage structures, including cathedral portal frames in ecclesiastical buildings. The seismic vulnerability assessment of such structures is crucial for mitigating territorial seismic risk. In this study, elastic and limit analyses are adopted and combined to evaluate the seismic capacity of pitched portal frames. To this end, a simplified model is proposed to analyze both linear and non-linear responses of these structures under horizontal actions. Although the analysis focuses on two-dimensional (2D) portal frames, it can be extended to three-dimensional (3D) buildings in a straightforward manner due to the specific characteristics of the analyzed structural scheme. The proposed approach provides a preliminary yet efficient evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of buildings with pitched portal frames. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed procedure ensures valuable applicability in large-scale seismic assessments.

The paper analyzes the application of the numerical findings of the program, which is becoming increasingly difficult for civil and structural design. Since, as in many other countries, the verification of design using a software model is now required by current Italian codes as well. Given this, the structural engineer must provide a technical report using a licensed software tool, attached to other project documents to get the Seismic Authorization at the local Civil Engineering Department offices. Following a brief explanation of structural analysis methodologies, this study presents a criterion for assessing the applicability of numerical findings obtained using any structural software. Three case studies of this criterion are shown to demonstrate how to check them using simple manual calculations: (i) the normal stress in RC columns subjected to gravity loads; (ii) the periods of vibration, participating masses, and seismic base shear derived from dynamic modal analysis; and (iii) the main parameters characterizing the pushover curves of existing buildings. Finally, this work underlines the significance of confirming the application of numerical results obtained by software in civil and structural design. The offered criteria and scenarios exhibit realistic techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in structural performance assessment, according to the structural requirements imposed by current codes in Italy and similar countries.