Seismic damage analysis for historic buildings: the case of Palazzo Gulinelli in Ferrara

The seismic risk assessment of historic heritage is a challenge for seismic engineering, due to the historical and cultural value of these buildings and the transformations they have undergone over time. Structures in historic centres, often built in aggregate and using traditional construction techniques, require in-depth knowledge of materials, structural connections, construction technologies, and the historical building context. This contribution deals with the case of the Renaissance buildings owned by the University of Ferrara, located along Via Savonarola, which were damaged during the 2012 Emilia seismic sequence. These buildings, currently unusable, are the focus of a complex process involving surveys, investigations, analyses, and seismic retrofitting techniques. This study proposes a methodology of analysis relative to some local critical mechanisms. In particular, the proposed approach integrates damage surveys, materials characterization, and classification of the main failure mechanisms activated during the earthquake, relating the modes to the specific construction features of Renaissance architecture. The methodology is based on rapid surveys, simplified modelling and vulnerability analysis, with the aim of providing practical tools for the prevention and mitigation of seismic risk.