From the history of the building to structural analysis

The method called "historical seismography " parts from a direct observation of the effects of earthquakes on existing historical vernacular constructions, pursuing specific characteristics of local seismic cultures. Seismography is based on the analysis of historical material documents and, at the micro-zoning level, it processes data issued directly from the existing constructions. The objective is to define ways, intervention procedures and earthquake risk mitigation techniques implemented in the past, so as to give proof of their current validity. In order to identify and organise appropriate risk reduction measures, database of images were created, in this way comparisons can be carried out and occurring situations identified. Yet, vernacular constructions are unique objects, unrepeatable and irregular, therefore, it is impossible to identify objective analysis criteria nor operational methods. Consequntly, the cataloging process had to be from time to time adapted to the characteristics of the built environment. Therefore, the traditional top-down approach (starting from the norm to get to the cataloging) was reversed. The cataloging was, in fact, modeled according to the characteristics of historic vernacular built constructions. In this way, the awareness in relation to built constructions will not be dependent on a preordained filing system. In so doing, an engineer will be provided with a product easily convertible in a detailed project.