ABSTRACT
Historic masonry buildings are often heavily damaged by earthquakes, resulting in huge loss of cultural heritage. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of seismic vulnerability mitigation via base isolation systems (BISs). This paper presents a major BIS project for seismic retrofitting of an existing strategic masonry building, which was built in the early 1950s in Perugia (Italy) and hosts the Umbria Region headquarters and other major public offices. The BIS design started from a historical investigation on the original design, fabrication and modifications of the masonry building. On-site experimental tests on both subsoil and masonry structure, as well as geometric surveys, were carried out, allowing a good knowledge of the building and calibration of three-dimensional structural models. The structural characteristics, historical value and public function of the building delineate a case study with considerable importance in the field of seismic isolation of existing masonry buildings.
