This paper presents a numerical study on the seismic assessment and reinforcement of St James Church, affected
by the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake. Numerical analyses were performed using a finite element model
including the structural damage of the Church. The numerical model was calibrated against experimental results
obtained from the dynamic identification tests carried out in situ. Nonlinear pushover analyses were performed
in order to understand the structural behaviour of the damaged Church. The analysis of the results suggests that
the damaged structure is not safe according to the new national specifications. Therefore, some reinforcement
measures are needed to improve the seismic behaviour of the structure. A reinforcement solution is proposed
taking into account the historical heritage value of the building, trying to maintain as much as possible the
original aspect of the Church. Pushover analyses were also performed in the reinforced numerical model,
proving its effectiveness
