DAMAGE PATTERN ANALYSIS OF THE BASILICA DI COLLEMAGGIO USING AEM MICRO-MODELING

This work focuses on the numerical analysis of the Aspe, Nave, and Transept of the ‘Basilica di Collemaggio’, which was seriously damaged and partially collapsed after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. The research team acquired the geometry of the structure through a terrestrial laser scanner. A detailed numerical model was developed using an Applied Element Method micro-modeling technique. The numerical model includes the actual arrangement of walls, arches, vaults, and voids in the masonry. The non-linear behavior of the masonry was modeled through equivalent springs. Non-linear dynamic analyses were performed considering both the in-plane and out-of-plane behavior of the structure. The proposed technique was able to simulate crack development and damage propagation. Comparing the numerical results to the acquired survey data, the model proved consistent and reliable. Therefore, this numerical approach could be used to study the behavior of the structure with different retrofit solutions.