Structural analysis of historical masonry churches: The case study of S. Giuseppe delle Scalze (Naples, Italy)

Structural analysis represents a valid tool to evaluate the seismic capacity of existing structures and to plan retrofit strategies. Howsoever, structural modelling performed on existing masonry buildings could become very complex. This issue increases when the interest focuses on heritage buildings due to the strong heterogeneities that characterise them. This study focuses on the analysis of a religious masonry building: the case study of S. Giuseppe delle Scalze in Naples (Italy). The structure is characterised by a clear deterioration and several damages. Various modelling approaches have been carried out to estimate the main structural behaviour of the church. Starting from surveys, a finite element (FE) model was developed. According to a limited knowledge level, various structural models have been developed, to take into account many variables. Starting from these numerical models, several analyses have been performed: static gravitational, linear dynamic and linear time history analyses. The goal of the analyses is to assess the main sources of damage by comparing the peak stresses with the current damage. Given the linear-elastic assumption due to the limited knowledge level, the results are useful to assess triggering of damage only.