Deformation measurement as a calibration tool for structural modelling of built heritage

Abstract

In spite of the important advances in structural modelling tools, the numerical analysis of masonry historical constructions is still a challenging activity, due to the significant difficulties in reliably describing their complex geometry, history, materials and damage evolution. A deep geometrical analysis, in combination with advanced numerical models, can represent a powerful tool for the analysis of masonry structures, able to take into account the outcome of a series of events suffered in time. Moreover, the precise measurement of deformation can give fundamental indication for masonry building structural interpretation, representing a crucial calibration tool for setting up a reliable structural model. In this paper two different case studies are presented, which represent as many possible ways to "use" the more and more precise survey methods for ancient structures in order to reliably interpret their structural models.