The assessment of the modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of masonry is a fundamental step in the seismic analysis of existing structures. In this paper, the representativeness of the values provided by flat-jack tests for tuff masonry is investigated through the analysis of a very large and homogeneous number of tests (635 double flat-jack tests). Data relate to existing buildings belonging to different historical and/or construction periods, located throughout the Campania region (Italy) in areas with different peculiarities. Results are compared with the values provided by Italian Building Code, containing ranges of the elastic modulus and compressive strength for different types of masonry. The values of flat-jack tests are then compared with laboratory tests available in the literature. Finally, comparisons with code equations are performed. It is shown that equations correlating the masonry compressive strength with the modulus of elasticity provide values larger than the mean of experimental data, whereas the equations correlating the masonry compressive strength with the strength of components provide lower values, if block and mortar strengths are varied within a probable and wide range.

Seismic events have repeatedly highlighted the vulnerability of existing masonry buildings. Seismic retrofitting is frequently focused on improving the connection between walls and roof for ensuring behavior able to resist loads from any horizontal direction. This paper deals with the design of masonry ring-beams made of clay bricks reinforced by natural fibers. Various solutions to ensure a masonry building box-behavior are possible, but this is a good combination of both static and conservation requirements, as it allows the use of bio-composites and grouts. It is a relevant possible alternative to the traditional reinforced concrete ring-beams, which are proven to be very ineffective under earthquakes. A simplified model for designing clay brick beams reinforced by flax fibers is provided, and a comparison with customary and traditional floor/roof masonry ring-beams is carried out.

In the past century, precast reinforced concrete has become the most widely used construction material in infrastructure engineering, especially for long-span structures. Nowadays, a growing research area concerns the assessment of concrete strength degradation due to environmental exposure and reinforcement corrosion. This paper reports an experimental campaign on some prefabricated concrete elements that were exposed to atmospheric agents for approximately 20 years. The campaign took the uncommon opportunity to access the full inspection and sampling of rebar. The included activities had different invasiveness and encompassed inspections, core sampling, corrosion potential mapping, compressive strength tests, as well as neutralization depth assays on cored surfaces, on chisel-split surfaces, and on drilling powders. The results bring together a global diagnostic picture of very limited degradation and of elements that are fully able to attend their design service life; the latter is estimated to be considerably higher than 20 years and to exceed 75 years if the concrete mix does not show quality issues. Results also permit drawing considerations on a hierarchy of diagnostic reliability in the evaluation of RC degradation, in which concrete core sampling plays the role of golden standard.

The current seismic prevention strategy is based on a unitary approach aimed at a risk mitigation, also at territorial level. The Italian guidelines for the assessment and mitigation of seismic risk of cultural heritage provides indications for the seismic analysis of protected cultural heritage, with the aim of specifying a path of knowledge, assessing the level of safety and planning possible improvements. The Italian building heritage is very vast and heterogeneous and was devastated by earthquakes due to its high vulnerability; therefore, the seismic risk mitigation also requires the availability of simple and handy analysis tools. The aim of this paper is the illustration of an easy, although approximate, procedure for the evaluation of the seismic safety index and the optimization of strengthening interventions. The procedure is applied to buildings located in the province of Caserta. The analyses are performed with reference to two types of buildings that are particularly recurrent and representative of the building heritage of this area and placed in areas with different seismic hazard.

The preservation of cultural heritage needs a restoration design format that can only be achievable by an in-depth multidisciplinary approach. Besides, a sustainable project requires that the link between architecture and technology be expressed through a “conscious” approach to the building. Therefore, each design must be based on the in-depth knowledge of history, construction rules, and mechanical properties of buildings to be restored. The bell towers are among the most exposed to degradation and earthquake damage constructions for their intrinsic geometry and structure. The “Carmine Maggiore” bell tower is one of the most important symbols of Naples (Italy) and, at 72 m high, it has stood out for centuries against the city. The tower underwent many significant damages and structural changes over time. The design, here illustrated, was aimed at restoring and repairing this bell tower, preserving existing materials, without altering the signs of time. The paper shows the methodology followed in the project, which, starting from an in-depth historical analysis and a detailed geometric and diagnostic survey, through several structural analyses, allowed an “inclusive” project (restoration, structural, and lighting project) based on suitable solutions that meet all the requirements of compatibility, sustainability, and structural safety.