Induced seismic-site effects on the vulnerability assessment of a historical centre in the molise Region of Italy: Analysis method and real behaviour calibration based on 2002 earthquake

The present research aims to estimate the influence of site amplification on the seismic vulnerability of the historical centre of the municipality of Baranello in the Molise Region of Italy. Firstly, a structural and typological characterization of the investigated area has been done according to the EMS-98 scale. Subsequently, the vulnerability assessment of the historical buildings located there has been carried out through an appropriate survey form in order to identify the buildings which are most susceptible to seismic damage. To this purpose, the seismic event occurring in October of 2002 has been selected as a reference earthquake. Moreover, according to the AeDES form implemented by the Italian Civil Protection Department to evaluate the usability of constructions after seismic events, the calibration of the typological vulnerability curves of the built-up area has been done, and a quantitative assessment of the local seismic response has been achieved, based on the seismic motions recorded after the 2002 Molise earthquake. Finally, the local amplification factor, which negatively influences the severity of the seismic damage on the structures, has been taken into account in order to more correctly foresee the expected damage of the inspected urban sector, so as to use more appropriately the achieved results for reliable seismic risk mitigation plans

Comparative fragility methods for seismic assessment of masonry buildings located in Muccia (Italy)

The current paper focuses on a sector of the historic centre of Muccia, in the district of Macerata (Italy), affected by the seismic sequence that involved Central Italy in 2016. The main goal is comparison, in terms of fragility curves, among two vulnerability assessment methodologies (empirical and mechanical). The study area has been structurally and typologically identified according to the Building Typology Matrix (BTM). Physical vulnerability analysis of the urban-sector was performed through application of an index-based method, specifically for masonry building aggregates. An isolated masonry building, damaged after the seismic sequences, has been selected as a case study. For the assessed building, empirical fragility curves are presented according to Guagenti & Petrini’s correlation law. Furthermore, a numerical model has been set up by using the macro-element approach, which has allowed to perform non-linear static analyses. Mechanical properties of masonry were defined according to the New Technical Codes for Constructions (NTC18), assuming a limited knowledge level (LC1). Refined mechanical fragility functions have been derived and compared to the empirical ones. Analysis results have shown that the empirical method tends to overestimate by 5% and 10% the expected damage for slight and moderate thresholds. For PGA values greater than 0,3 g the damage levels decreased by 30% and 20%, with reference to the near collapse and collapse conditions, respectively

Seismic vulnerability and damage of Italian historical centres: a case study in the Campania region

The preservation of masonry buildings typical of Italian historical centres represents a very pressing dilemma founded on recovery need of the urban fabric original character. In the paper, based on a methodology developed by some of the Authors on building aggregates, the seismic vulnerability estimation of some masonry compounds in the heart of the town of San Potito Sannitico (Caserta, Italy) is presented and compared to the results achieved from applying the basic literature method for isolated constructions. Finally, the damage scenario of inspected buildings has been shown by highlighting clearly the influence of different positions of structural units on the damages masonry aggregates suffer under different grade earthquakes, leading to individuate the most vulnerable buildings

Seismic vulnerability assessment of a Romanian historical masonry building under near-source earthquake

In the present research work, the effect of ground motion vertical component in case of near-source excitations on masonry buildings has been analysed. To this purpose, an investigation has been made on the Banloc Castle, a historical masonry construction damaged by the Banat-Voiteg earthquake occurred on December 1991 in the Romanian Region of Banloc. A FEM model of the building, setup using DIANA FEA analysis software, has been analysed in the non-linear dynamic field. In particular, the records have been referred to the Banloc site, characterized by a moment magnitude of 5.5 and a focal depth of 9 km. In order to estimate the influence of the vertical seismic motion on the case study building in terms of both displacement and internal forces, two different scenarios have been examined. The first scenario has taken into account the horizontal component only, whereas the second one has studied the simultaneous effects of three components of the seismic action. The comparison between the two scenarios has shown that the vertical ground motion significantly modifies the structural behaviour of the inspected building. Finally, numerical damage patterns have been plotted and compared to the real cracks detected in the case study after the considered seismic event.(undefined

Seismic Damage Scenarios Induced by Site Effects of Masonry Clustered Buildings: a South Italy Case Study

The present research aims to investigate the influence of site amplification on the seismic vulnerability of the historical centre of the municipality of Baranello in the Molise Region of Italy. Structural and typological characterization of the investigated area has been done according to the EMS-98 scale. The vulnerability assessment of the historical buildings located there has been carried out through an appropriate survey form in order to identify the buildings most susceptible at seismic damage. Furthermore, according to the AeDES form implemented by the Italian Civil Protection Department, the calibration of the typological vulnerability curves of the built-up area has been done based on the seismic motions recorded after the 2002 Molise earthquake. Finally, the local amplification factor, which negatively influences the severity of the seismic damage on the structures, has been taken into account according to the time-domain method. To this purpose, a refined and simplified approach to foresee the expected damage of the inspected urban sector has been proposed, so to use more appropriately the achieved results for reliable seismic risk mitigation plans

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Romanian Historical Building under Near-Source Earthquake

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Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Romanian Historical Building under Near-Source Earthquake

The ground motion vertical component is generally ignored in the analysis of ordinary building structures, even though observed damages after last earthquakes highlighted its marked influence especially on the response of masonry structures. In the present research work, the effect of ground motion vertical components in case of near-source excitations has been analysed. The investigation has been made on the Banloc Castle, a historical masonry building damaged by the Banat-Voiteg earthquake occurred on December 1991 in the Region of Banloc in Romania. A FEM model of the building, setup with the DIANA FEA analysis software, has been investigated in the non-linear dynamic field. In particular, the records have been referred to the Banloc site, located 7.01 km far from the epicentre with a moment magnitude Mw=5.5 and a focal depth of 9 km. The behaviour of the ground motion components has been characterised by the V/H peak ground acceleration ratio. In order to estimate the influence of the vertical seismic motion in terms of both displacements and stress regime, two different scenarios have been analysed. The first scenario has taken into account the horizontal component only, whereas the second one has analysed the simultaneous effects of three components of the seismic action. Finally, numerical damage patterns have been plotted aiming to simulate the real cracks detected in the case study after the considered seismic event

Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA): A patient self-report quality of life survey from INOCA international.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information available regarding evidence of ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and quality of life. PURPOSE: To determine associations between INOCA and self-reported physical, social, and mental health. METHODS: We conducted a survey of all members (n = 1579) of the INOCA International patient support group. Current self-reported diagnosis and health measures were collected. Functional capacity was retrospectively estimated using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), assessing levels of activities performed prior and after symptom onset. RESULTS: A total of 297 (20.8% response rate, 91% women) reported symptoms of chest pain, pressure, or discomfort in 92.9%. Overall, 34.4% were living with symptoms for ≥3 years before an INOCA diagnosis, and 77.8% were told their symptoms were not cardiac. Estimated functional capacity was higher prior to compared to after symptom onset (8.6 ± 1.8 METs vs 5.6 ± 1.8 METs; P < 0.0001). Most respondents reported an adverse impact of symptoms on their home life (80.5%), social life (80.1%), mental health (70.4%), outlook on life (69.7%), sex life (55.9%), and their partner/spouse relationship (53.9%), while approximately three-quarters reduced their work hours or stopped work completely, 47.5% retired early, and 38.4% applied for disability. CONCLUSIONS: INOCA symptoms are associated with adverse physical, mental and social health quality of life. Increased patient awareness, physician recognition and diagnosis, and clinical trials are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for this increasingly recognized cardiovascular disorder