Seismic vulnerability assessment of existing masonry churches macro-elements by means of FEM modelling

The seismic assessment through numerical models of existing masonry churches represents currently a fundamental issue, since it permits of predicting structural behavior and the possible damage scenarios that may occur during a seismic event. Within this framework, this study presents the results of the seismic assessment conducted on some architectural portions, named macro-elements, of two existing churches located in Italy and Romania, chosen as case studies. To this scope non-linear FEM numerical models of the architectural portions examined are implemented in order to evaluate their push-over curve and damage state. Then, the results are compared with the aim of illustrating the differences and similarities between the two churches under investigation. The preliminary results shown in this study are obtained with investigations carried out within an ongoing research activity having the main goal of comparing Italian and Romanian masonry churches.