Nativity Church narthex: A non-linear FEM procedure for the diagnosis of a structural damage

A non-linear finite element method (FEM) procedure successfully diagnosed structural damage in the narthex of the Church of the Nativity. The study developed a detailed 3D model using ABAQUS software to simulate seismic behavior and damage evolution, achieving a deformed configuration closely matching real-world observations. By discretizing the structure with tetrahedron elements obeying a damage plasticity law—exhibiting softening in tension and compression—the research validated hypotheses about the narthex's historical transformations, particularly its medieval fortification. This approach offers a novel method for analyzing complex heritage structures without relying solely on physical testing.

Milani, G., Valente, M., & Alessandri, C. (2016). Nativity Church narthex: A non-linear FEM procedure for the diagnosis of a structural damage. Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions: Anamnesis, Diagnosis, Therapy, Controls, 1217–1224. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315616995-165