Natural and anthropogenic risks assessment for preservation and sustainable reuse of earthen architectures in Piedmont (Italy)

This work is carried out within the framework of the EVER EARTH Project, which aims to deepen the knowledge of the earthen architectural heritage in the Piedmont region (Italy) and improve its resilience to natural and anthropogenic hazards. A multidisciplinary study will be carried out based on the analysis of data and information derived from previous investigations with respect to the current situation. A selection of earthen buildings serves as case studies for risk assessment and the development of an intervention methodology. Meteorological risks will be assessed through the analysis of historical data and climate projections of meteorological conditions in the study area, as well as probability distributions and return periods of critical events. Seismic vulnerability will be assessed by analysing the selected buildings, adapting the parameters and the relative score weights in the GNDT level 2 survey form and the FAMIVE method form to the peculiarities of the earthen architecture. Vulnerability indices will be defined to build priority lists for recovery interventions and efficiently direct public administrations9 financial contributions. Based on the vulnerability indices, damage matrices will be identified to predict different damage scenarios depending on the intensity of the seismic event. The analysis of the interventions carried out on the individual construction elements of the buildings taken as case studies will be used to assess the anthropogenic risk. Furthermore, to know people9s perceptions, opinions, and evaluations of earthen buildings, a sociological survey will be carried out based on interviews addressed to appropriately selected local witnesses. The outcomes of the investigation and analysis will provide valuable information for identifying intervention strategies that will contribute to the effective conservation and redevelopment of the earthen-built heritage.