On Safety Assessment and Base Isolation of Heavy Non-structural Monolithic Objects

Research reveals that heavy non-structural monolithic objects, such as ancient marble decorative pinnacles, pose significant seismic risks to world heritage structures. The study introduces a method for assessing the safety of underlying masonry structures under seismic excitations and evaluates ground motion amplification due to these objects. Focusing on eleven marble pinnacles atop a three-arched city gate in Ferrara, Italy, the findings highlight the potential danger to human lives and substantial loss to cultural heritage during earthquakes. The approach combines safety assessment techniques with base isolation strategies to mitigate seismic vulnerabilities in historic constructions.

Chiozzi, A., Simoni, M., & Tralli, A. (2016). On Safety Assessment and Base Isolation of Heavy Non-structural Monolithic Objects. Procedia Engineering, 144, 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.05.012