Multi-level seismic evaluations of existing masonry churches: A comparison between a Romanian and an Italian case study

This paper applies the Italian multi-level seismic analysis framework for cultural heritage to two existing masonry churches located in Romania and in Italy. A comprehensive evaluation is carried out through territorial, local and global approaches, and the results are discussed and compared. At a territorial analysis level, the vulnerability index and the acceleration factor at the Life Safety Limit State (LSLS) are evaluated for the two case studies, providing a general comparison. At the local scale, detailed investigations are conducted on the lateral wall macro-element through Linear Kinematic Analyses (LKAs) and Non-Linear Pushover Analyses (NLPAs) on 3D local Finite Element Method (FEM) models. In addition, the study evaluates the effectiveness of a selected structural retrofitting intervention for reducing the local vulnerability on the macro-element. To further enrich the comparison between the two churches, the triumphal arch macro-element is also analyzed and its response mechanism is investigated through NLPAs. Finally, at the global scale, Non-Linear Dynamic Analyses (NLDAs) based on 3D FEM models are carried out, also considering the vertical ground motion component in the seismic response of both churches. The results highlight the role of construction typology and geometrical configuration in determining seismic performance.