Enhancing Seismic Performance of an Historic Masonry Bell-Tower Using Active and Passive FRP-Systems

Historic masonry bell-towers are often vulnerable to seismic actions due to their age, construction techniques, and materials. Ensuring their stability while preserving their architectural integrity is significant engineering challenge. The herein study focuses on a specific case involving the seismic improvement of a bell-tower located in the south of Italy. The intervention strategy integrates active and passive composite systems to enhance the tower’s seismic performance. Active systems include techniques such as longitudinal pre-stressed Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) that provide immediate stabilizing moment. Passive systems, such as transversal FRP-based ties, contribute to the overall behaviour of the structure by improving its box-like behaviour and seismic-energy dissipation capacity. A comprehensive assessment of the bell tower’s structural state-of-play was conducted, involving historical research, material characterization, and structural analysis. Non-destructive testing methods were employed to evaluate the integrity of the masonry and identify critical weaknesses. Based on the assessment, a tailored retrofitting plan was developed, focusing on minimizing the visual and physical impact on the historic fabric. Thus, the study highlights the effectiveness of combining active and passive composite systems for the seismic retrofitting of historic masonry structures. The findings provide valuable insights for engineers and conservationists working on similar projects, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach that ensures structural safety while preserving cultural heritage.