Towards the Seismic Monitoring of a Monumental Structure in Mixed Masonry-RC

The monumental historical heritage is recognized and appreciated worldwide. It is the result of the succession of different cultures that have inevitably influenced and characterized history; therefore, it represents an inestimable value to be preserved for future generations in order to transmit culture and art. In addition, there is a growing engineering interest in the protection of cultural heritage since it is strongly vulnerable. In the present work, the authors present the first attempt of geometric and mechanical modeling (Finite Element Model) and the subsequent sensitivity analysis of the Upper Basilica of the Sanctuary of Oropa (Chiesa Nuova), characterized by a mixed structure in masonry and reinforced concrete. The analysis conducted is placed at the beginning of a path of knowledge which, in subsequent steps, allows the understanding of the static and dynamic behavior of the analyzed structure. The goal of this work is to discriminate and validate which of the elastic parameters characterizing the individual components of the structure have a significant effect on the dynamic response of the structure, to facilitate the subsequent analysis aimed at defining the dynamic monitoring sensing system to be installed on the structure, and to support vulnerability analyses.