Dynamic assessment of ancient masonry vaults: Experimental tests andnumerical modelling

The paper deals with the dynamic characterization of historical masonry constructions and reports a case study.The building under investigation is located in Southern Italy (Lecce) and is representative of a large number of buildings where extensive use of complex vaulted roofs is made. The present paper takes advantage of an extended historical and structural investigation. A first phase of numerical analysis has been carried out on two structural macro-elements (vaults) in order to evaluate their relevant dynamic parameters. Thus, an experimental campaign, mainly based on dynamic tests, has been started.The main objective of the work is a dynamic assessment of the vaults on the base of monitoring of modal parameters. To this end, numerical modeling and correlation with experimental results are certainly of interest to increase knowledge on actual performances of the construction