Ivan Giongo

This study investigates the effectiveness of a range of timber-based solutions for the seismic and energy retrofitting of existing masonry buildings. These solutions are designed not only to prevent structural collapse during earthquakes but also to create integrated interventions that enhance thermo-physical performance and reduce emissions in existing buildings. Various case scenarios were considered and both mechanical and energetic behaviour post-intervention were evaluated. Timber-engineered products serve as foundational components for the retrofit approach, encompassing one-dimensional vertical elements (strong-backs) and various types of panels (cross-laminated timber panels, laminated veneer lumber panels, and oriented strand board panels). The analyzed retrofit techniques share a common principle involving the attachment of these timber-based elements to the building’s wall surfaces through mechanical point-to-point connections. The proposed solutions integrate strong-backs and timber panels with membranes and insulation layers, yielding cohesive, and highly effective interventions. Finite element modeling was employed to analyze the mechanical and thermal responses of the retrofitted walls. A comprehensive comparative analysis of various techniques was conducted to determine the most effective solution for each specific scenario.

Long-span structures such as school gyms and sports centres are often used by the Italian Department of Civil Protection as post-catastrophe shelters or headquarters. The Emilia 2012 earthquake drew the attention of the department to this type of structure due to the damage that many of these buildings suffered. In this work, a dataset of 101 timber structures was analysed based on a simplified methodology that detects the major vulnerabilities in long-span timber roofs in order to help plan further investigations and retrofit interventions. Using fast and straightforward approaches, the elements most vulnerable to seismic action were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitative evaluation of the vulnerabilities was achieved by applying the Italian Building Code. The aspects not considered in the quantitative evaluation were assessed through qualitative parameters inspired by damage identification forms (e.g. the AeDES form). The analysed structures are located near the epicentres of the last strong earthquakes that struck Italian territory: Abruzzo in 2009, Emilia in 2012 and central Italy in 2016. Damage and retrofits, identified by interviewing owners, designers and builders, showed a good correlation between the real behaviour shown by the surveyed structures and the vulnerabilities detected using the simplified methodology.