Evaluation of the Local Site Effects and Their Implication to the Seismic Risk of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old City of Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Abstract

UNESCO World Heritage Site Old City of Dubrovnik (Croatia) has been devastated by historical earthquake in 1667 of M ~ 7 as well 1979 M6.8 Montenegro earthquakes causing strong damage effects. The aim of this research is the evaluation of the geological structure and local site effects under the Old City, using non-invasive seismic survey methods to define the areas that can be subjected to stronger damage in the case of an earthquake. The results present basis for seismic hazard and seismic risk assessment of cultural heritage–which are necessary activities for their preservation as an important witness of the past.