Continuous Dynamic Monitoring to Enhance the Knowledge of a Historic Civic Bell-Tower

Detecting and predicting the gradual deterioration of structures, resulting from natural material decay or unforeseen vibrations like those induced by earthquakes or climate variations, is of utmost importance. However, the task of identifying structural damage through the analysis of changes in modal parameters, while mitigating external influences such as environmental effects, can be intricate and time-consuming. Conversely, the swift determination of a structure's new behavior is critical for safeguarding human lives and implementing precise and timely enhancements. A prompt response in critical situations can avert prolonged disruptions in the functionality of a structure and facilitate faster recovery, where feasible. This study employed methods that directly processed data from a continuous monitoring system, implemented on a civic clock tower in Central Italy, thereby reducing computational workload, offering nearly instantaneous feedback on alterations in dynamic behavior. These considerations are pivotal for establishing sustainable monitoring practices that are both cost-effective and timely.