Improving the dynamic behaviour of historic buildings using experimental data: application to a Baroque church

Vibration-based Structural Health Monitoring represents an efficient and reliable tool to build models that can predict the dynamic behaviour of heritage structures for, but not limited to, monitoring purposes. Indeed, built heritage consists of unique structures often characterized by high fragility, and the design of interventions implies several challenges, also related to restrictions on the application of modern regulations. In this context, the corroboration of the mechanical model should accompany the entire process, from design to implementation, with test campaigns performed before and after the strengthening operations to assess their effectiveness. Thus, the work presents the experimental process used for the tailoring of the seismic upgrading interventions on the church of Santa Caterina, in Casale Monferrato. More recently, the model has been updated with the results acquired from a permanent monitoring system installed in 2022, following the interventions, hence allowing assessments of their effectiveness.