Sensitivity Analyses on a Monumental Building considering Soil-Structure Interaction

In the context of monumental buildings resting on highly deformable soils, material parameter variability, an intrinsic characteristic of historical constructions, and soil-structure interaction (SSI) should be incorporated into simulations to assess the influence of diverse input parameters on dynamic response. This work explores the potential of sensitivity analyses within a probabilistic setting, utilizing surrogate models of a detailed finite element model (FEM) that accounts for SSI, to identify critical factors influencing the seismic behavior of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Pisa. The study identifies the natural frequencies most sensitive to variations in masonry properties, which may be easier to detect than those primarily influenced by soil properties. These insights, combined with results obtained from modal analyses, can support the design of an effective structural health monitoring (SHM) system for the monument.