The structural behaviour of the masonry vaults of the Cathedral of Modena

The masonry vaults of Modena Cathedral demonstrated significant vulnerability to seismic activity during the 2012 Emilia Earthquake. This study reveals that such historical structures, while integral to cultural heritage, are highly susceptible to earthquake damage, posing challenges for structural interventions that must balance preservation with safety. Researchers employed Finite Elements and Discrete Elements models to analyze the dynamic response of these vaults, providing critical insights into their seismic behavior. The findings underscore the need for non-invasive strengthening techniques that respect architectural integrity while enhancing resilience against natural disasters.

Baraccani, S., Gasparini, G., Palermo, M., Silvestri, S., Trombetti, T.,. (2017). The structural behaviour of the masonry vaults of the Cathedral of Modena. Annual International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ACE 2017), 550–556. https://doi.org/10.5176/2301-394x_ace17.92