Architectural Heritage and seismic vulnerability: mapping the available knowledge to reduce damage during an emergency

Abstract

Vernacular architecture has become a full part of our cultural heritage, since it constitutes evidence of our material culture and is tied to specific historical/geographical contexts. This type of ‘lesser’ heritage has withstood various transformations over time, whether negative transformations due to abandonment, or positive transformations due to expansion and renovation work on historical buildings or their simple adaptation to new living conditions. Thus, vernacular architecture often presents intrinsic vulnerabilities resulting from all the transformations it has undergone. The presence of this type of vulnerability within the vernacular built heritage also constitutes an even greater risk for buildings located in seismic areas, as this could lead to an increase in the level of damage due to an earthquake, often with irreversible losses. Achieving a good level of knowledge about the vulnerability of historical buildings in seismic areas is therefore important for their adequate preservation. This not only allows preventive maintenance to be planned, but also because when an earthquake occurs, this type of knowledge would allow decisions to be made with greater awareness regarding where to intervene first, and to more quickly identify where safety interventions for the most vulnerable buildings must be realised. As is well demonstrated by the collapses caused by the earthquakes that hit Central Italy in 2016, the possibility of promptly securing damaged historical buildings is of fundamental importance for conserving the built heritage damaged by an earthquake. To this end, the contribution describes some of the main instruments available in Italy for technicians and functionaries that intervene during a seismic emergency to secure the architectural heritage, with suggestions as to how these tools can be strengthened.