ABSTRACT
In recent years, the seismic interferometry for wave propagation analysis on high-rise building has been gaining increased interest for dynamic structural identification and health monitoring. The reason relies on the fact that dynamic identification analyses allow to observe the structure as it behaves under ambient excitations, without impairing the integrity of the structure, an aspect of paramount importance when dealing with historic heritage. In this context, the aim of this paper is to present and discuss tests performed on the Giotto bell tower in Florence, and in particular to show how seismic time histories recorded along the tower can be used to estimate the propagation velocity of seismic waves. These data are of value in detecting the mechanical properties of the structure, provided the dispersive nature of the wave is properly considered. As predicted by theoretical analysis, the obtained experimental evidences prove that this is the case of the Giotto's bell tower, especially in the bending mode of vibration, with a weak contribution from interaction with the soil.
