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Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters Vs. Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2022) | Viewed by 10726

Special Issue Editors

1. Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la provicia di Cosenza - Cultural Heritage Ministry, Milan, Italy
2. Department of Architecture, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
Interests: construction history; failure of ancient timber structures; strengthening of ancient timber structures; seismic vulnerability of historical buildings; conservation theory
Department of Architecture (DiDA), University of Florence, Piazza Brunelleschi, 6, 50121 Firenze, FI, Italy
Interests: mechanical modelling of masonry constructions; timber–masonry constructions; rigid block analysis; FEM analysis; limit analysis; seismic vulnerability assessment; foundation settlement structure effect; strengthening interventions; composites materials; structural software development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
Interests: cultural heritage; characterization of stone building materials and their decay; experimentation of innovative protective products; archaeometric study of chronologically different ceramic remains in subaerial and underwater environments
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since ancient times, natural disasters, especially earthquakes, have been the greatest threats to buildings, often resulting in effective countermeasures implemented by various cultures (e.g., Minoan, Greek, Roman). The climatic changes of recent years have not only triggered new pathologies on the historical–artistic heritage but have also increased the number and strength of floods and consequent hydrogeological disruptions, to which are added hurricanes and, more generally, winds at significant speeds, coastal erosion, as well as changes in sea level. These natural disasters pose new challenges to cultural heritage, subjecting it to heavier mechanical and chemical–physical burdens.

In addition, other potential threats to cultural heritage include wars, terrorism, polluted atmospheres, and fires.

It is up to the scientific community, with a mandatory multidisciplinary approach, to conduct an urgent review of the methods for assessing risk caused by natural and anthropogenic disasters, mitigation, and, more generally, conservation measures in order to preserve our cultural heritage for ourselves and for future generations.

Dr. Nicola Ruggieri
Prof. Dr. Stefano Galassi
Prof. Dr. Mauro Francesco La Russa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • climate change
  • multi-risk assessment
  • seismic behavior
  • diagnosis
  • monitoring
  • vulnerability
  • strengthening
  • conservation
  • safeguarding

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 8978 KiB  
Article
Vulnus Web: A Web-Based Procedure for the Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Masonry Buildings
by Maria Rosa Valluzzi, Veronica Follador and Luca Sbrogiò
Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086787 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1548
Abstract
Masonry is a widespread construction system, but it is very prone to seismic damage. In Italy, almost 60% of residential buildings are constructed in masonry, and 85% of them were built before 1980 without specific design regulation; thus, there is the need for [...] Read more.
Masonry is a widespread construction system, but it is very prone to seismic damage. In Italy, almost 60% of residential buildings are constructed in masonry, and 85% of them were built before 1980 without specific design regulation; thus, there is the need for large-scale vulnerability assessment. When large stocks of residential buildings (>50–100) are involved, also in historical centers, seismic vulnerability analysis must resort to simplified and computer-aided methods. Among these, the best known analyze (i) the overall shear strength normalized to the weight; (ii) the activation coefficient of local mechanisms; and (iii) dimensionless indexes obtained from the weighted sum of scores associated with a set of vulnerability factors. The Vulnus procedure proposes a vulnerability function in the 3D space defined by these factors, namely VIP, VOP and VV. The ‘mechanical’ indexes VIP and VOP determine the capacity of the building (in-plane and out-of-plane, respectively), whereas the ‘empirical’ index VV sets the pace at which this capacity is reached and the uncertainty in its final value. The procedure considers the confidence level of the indexes by means of fuzzy set theory, which enables expression of the vulnerability in linguistic terms (e.g., ‘high’ or ‘low’), as well as through a fragility curve. In this paper, a web toolbox based on the Vulnus procedure, namely, Vulnus Web, is proposed. It enables the central archiving of data, improved interaction with the program code and a wider dissemination. The new procedure was applied to a masonry building hit by the Central Italy 2016 earthquake; both the vulnerability level assessed numerically and the damage prediction were in good accordance with the actual seismic performance of the building. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters Vs. Cultural Heritage)
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15 pages, 5799 KiB  
Article
Parametric Modeling and Heritage: A Design Process Sustainable for Restoration
by Riccardo Liberotti and Vittorio Gusella
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021371 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2410
Abstract
Parametric design, algorithmic modeling, generative design, and associative design are only some of the keywords of a work paradigm that is becoming more and more popular, designed to respond to the complexities of contemporary architecture. Most commonly, such an approach is used for [...] Read more.
Parametric design, algorithmic modeling, generative design, and associative design are only some of the keywords of a work paradigm that is becoming more and more popular, designed to respond to the complexities of contemporary architecture. Most commonly, such an approach is used for new buildings, but when algorithmic design meets heritage building information modeling (HBIM), the process can take on an even greater centrality—flexibility and control go hand-in-hand, ensuring precious tools for the planning of restoration interventions and management projects. This contribution, oriented to expand the use of these strategies to heritage, deals with the theme of parametric modeling of masonry vaults, a structural–architectural feature that in many forms and combinations characterizes most historic buildings. In particular, the connection of BIM software with algorithmic modeling software can allow the ‘translation’ of complex geometric shapes into elements with full Level of Detail elements (LOD 500) while preserving, at the same time, the algorithmic editing functions. In this paper, it is illustrated as this approach permits the finetuning of the vaults’ details, from time to time, based on different survey strategies (e.g., direct measurements, experimental tests, laser scanners, etc.). In other words, using this new connection in real time, architects can design restoration interventions tied to shapes, geometries, and masonry peculiarities that would otherwise be impossible to manage. An updatable virtualization of the actual state of a heritage building thus becomes affordable for the wider public (LOD G). There is also a valuable benefit for the heritage stakeholders in terms of protection of the architectural value and conscious planning in the restoration practice, especially in the museum field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters Vs. Cultural Heritage)
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40 pages, 54191 KiB  
Article
Construction Techniques and Detailing for Romanian Paiantă Houses: An Engineering Perspective
by Andreea Dutu, Mihai Niste, Iolanda-Gabriela Craifaleanu and Marina Gingirof
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021344 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2013
Abstract
Traditional houses represent landmarks of local cultures all over the world. In seismically prone countries, the traditional timber frames with different types of infills have shown quite good earthquake resilience, an essential feature considering their large number, their simplicity and their reduced cost, [...] Read more.
Traditional houses represent landmarks of local cultures all over the world. In seismically prone countries, the traditional timber frames with different types of infills have shown quite good earthquake resilience, an essential feature considering their large number, their simplicity and their reduced cost, owing to the use of local materials and workmanship. In fact, their seismic behavior fostered the interest in further scientific research, including that addressing engineering aspects. Because of their diversity in layout and detailing, noticeable even among houses in the same area, developing general methods to preserve and strengthen such buildings is still a difficult task. This paper presents an overview of the traditional building construction techniques in Romania, focusing on the structural configuration and detailing of the so-called paiantă houses. Largely used all over the country, these houses have shown that they can generally withstand earthquakes at least without collapsing and, most frequently, with minor or repairable damage. Their preservation is nowadays a major challenge, as they are being gradually either demolished and replaced, or retrofitted by using invasive techniques. Their cultural and heritage value is undeniable, and there are still many things to be learned from the past craftsmanship and re-valuated in the future. Three case studies of rural buildings located in different areas of the country were chosen among the most widespread paiantă versions, and comprehensive engineering assessments were conducted to identify their detailing and degradations. Based on the most common degradations, the conclusions drawn from this study can be used to substantiate further research aimed at selecting the most appropriate construction and strengthening techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters Vs. Cultural Heritage)
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29 pages, 5777 KiB  
Article
Multilevel Assessment of Seismic Damage and Vulnerability of Masonry Buildings (MUSE-DV) in Historical Centers: Development of a Mobile Android Application
by Luca Sbrogiò, Ylenia Saretta, Francesco Molinari and Maria Rosa Valluzzi
Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7145; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127145 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1755
Abstract
Empirical data on the seismic behavior of masonry buildings are collected by technicians through rapid visual assessment procedures, i.e., by filling in forms that organize information in short answers or ticks. The resulting empirical database serves as a basis for prevention strategies, but [...] Read more.
Empirical data on the seismic behavior of masonry buildings are collected by technicians through rapid visual assessment procedures, i.e., by filling in forms that organize information in short answers or ticks. The resulting empirical database serves as a basis for prevention strategies, but the archiving and the post-processing of data are always a potential cause of losses and misinterpretations. New technologies are nowadays entering seismic risk analyses as a support to the usual visual approach. This paper proposes a new application for Android mobile devices that digitalizes an assessment form (MUSE-DV) able to collect damage and vulnerability data of masonry buildings in seismic areas, including information on strengthening interventions applied to buildings in the past. The client–server architecture of the app considers local devices communicating over the web with a central unit; data processing is split between them to reduce network and resource needs. This approach is convenient with thin devices, such as smartphones, and in post-disaster situations, when the mobile network may not be available. Data collected onsite can be stored in remote archives and therefore shared among technicians without affecting the integrity and consistency of the database. The whole dataset can be extracted and processed by a dedicated software for statistical and spatial analysis. The MUSE-DV procedure was validated in the area struck by the 2016 Central Italy earthquake and the app presented here was preliminarily tested onsite on the buildings of Castelsantangelo sul Nera (Macerata district); the results contributed to damage and vulnerability analyses by the means of thematic maps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters Vs. Cultural Heritage)
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22 pages, 15809 KiB  
Article
Built Environment’s Sustainability: The Design of the Gypso|TechA of the University of Perugia
by Paolo Belardi, Vittorio Gusella, Riccardo Liberotti and Camilla Sorignani
Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116857 - 03 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1868
Abstract
A multidisciplinary approach embedded with sustainability represents a pathway to design strategies applicable in different cultural contexts. Considering the emissions attributed to building processes, the design of conservation measures is evolving to create high performance both in terms of healthiness and safety. On [...] Read more.
A multidisciplinary approach embedded with sustainability represents a pathway to design strategies applicable in different cultural contexts. Considering the emissions attributed to building processes, the design of conservation measures is evolving to create high performance both in terms of healthiness and safety. On this, heritage buildings in earthquake-prone cities proved their vulnerability during the recent seismic events. However, the most important aspect of restoration interventions is that the design process must respect the architectural peculiarities of the building. In this regard, the contribution presents the reuse of a heritage building, currently disused, in the novel role of University of Perugia’s plaster cast gallery, in line with the aims declared by the University with the adoption of the “Action Plan for University Sustainability 2021–2023”. Such architecture is part of Palazzo Murena, University of Perugia headquarters, a former monastery designed by Luigi Vanvitelli and completed in 1762 by Carlo Murena. A historical-iconographical investigation, together with a survey, revealed the building origin: a pre-existing architecture, anciently a hospice, included by Vanvitelli in their project. The purpose was the masonries’ reinforcement conceiving, at once, a flexible space according to the adaptive architecture principle: give to buildings configurations new, whole or in part, from the original ones in response to emerging threats. An integrated project was designed to restore the building in order to realize a contemporary museum in which full-height exhibition spaces alternate with the pre-existing ones. In this way, the new Gypso|TechA showcases the academic plasters, actually without a seat matching their cultural value, and through a peculiar layout encodes the collection’s message in a site-specific cognitive process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural and Anthropogenic Disasters Vs. Cultural Heritage)
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