Seismic assessment of a historical tower with advanced numerical model tuned on ambient vibration data

This paper deals with the dynamic characterization and the evaluation of the seismic response of the medieval civic tower of Soncino (Cremona, Italy). The dynamic characteristics and the mechanical properties of the masonry tower are evaluated through ambient vibration tests, which provide results in a fast and non destructive way with respect to the traditional methods such as forced vibration tests. Nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are performed on a finite element model of the tower calibrated on the results of the dynamic identification. The damage levels and the seismic capacity of the structure are also evaluated. The obtained results allow to predict the seismic behaviour of the tower and to define possible strengthening and restoration interventions.