Seismic Vulnerability of Historical Constructions

Abstract. Earthquakes are known to be natural hazards that have affected tremendously historical
constructions. Unfortunately, as far as earthquake impacts are concerned, there are no world statistics
to compare the suffering of populations or of the building stock and their evolution in time, with the
damage inflicted to the stock of historical constructions. Lately, a great effort has been placed on
engineering developments: (i) to better understand the seismic behaviour of historical construction
and (ii) to assess the benefits of different techniques for reinforcing these structures. However, a great
deal of discussion is still going on the type of reinforcement that should be applied, how effective
it is and how much it costs. Research is needed for helping in these decisions, by providing a more
precise framework in this field. The aim of this review is to make an overall insight on some of the
available methods for assessing seismic vulnerability of historical constructions and on how to use
them in the case of occurrence of an earthquake. Given this occurrence, the objective is to minimize
the effects of aftershocks, avoid hurried demolition made under extreme pressure and help shore-up
parts in risk of falling. The final aim is also to help in the definition of strategies for the repair of the
damaged patrimony, or as a measure to prevent damage in future earthquakes for the most vulnerable
cases. The paper is illustrated with the presentation of several examples published in the literature
where the author participated.