ABSTRACT
This paper reports the structural analysis of St. Giovanni Battista church (Figs 1 and 2) located in Carpenedolo (Brescia – Italy). After the earthquake which struck Brescia district in November 2004, this church was analyzed in its entirety, in order to identify appropriate strengthening interventions. Religious buildings generally present a pronounced seismic vulnerability related to their significant dimensions and masses, reduced horizontal connections, tall masonry elements lacking orthogonal stabilizing walls, and presence of vaults and arches that can increase their thrust following the seismic event. Damage in such churches have often been detected after low/moderate intensity earthquakes (Lagomarsino 1999) indicating for this structural typology an actual safety problem. The analysis of the Church was conducted with respect to (Casarin & Modena 2006) its constructive history and structural evolution, post earthquake damage manifested and current condition. Subsequently an on-site investigation campaign was erected. Finally, the seismic assessment of relevant parts of the structure, involving different modelling strategies, was carried out. Global linear elastic numerical models, calibrated based on the results of the experimental phase, were used.
