Numerical Modelling of Historical Masonry Structures with the Finite Element Code NOSA-ITACA

This chapter presents the finite element code NOSA-ITACA for static and modal analyses of masonry structures of architectural interest. NOSA-ITACA adopts the constitutive equation of masonry-like materials, which considers masonry a nonlinear elastic material with zero tensile strength. The capability of modelling restoration and consolidation operations makes the code a helpful tool for maintaining historical buildings. In recent years, long-term vibration monitoring turned out to be an effective non-destructive technique to investigate the dynamic behaviour and check the health status of historical buildings. Changes in their dynamic properties, such as natural frequencies, can represent effective damage indicators. The latest NOSA-ITACA developments are oriented towards structural health monitoring. The availability of the experimental modal properties of a structure makes it possible to calibrate its finite element model via model updating procedures. In particular, the unknown structure’s characteristics, such as materials’ properties and boundary conditions, can be determined by solving a minimum problem whose objective function is expressed as the discrepancy between experimental frequencies and mode shapes and their numerical counterparts. Several case studies are presented to show the main features of NOSA-ITACA and its effectiveness in the conservation of architectural heritage.