Dynamic Characterization and Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI) of Heritage Buildings
The Case of the Norman Castle of Aci Castello (Sicily, Italy)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 13124692 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Claudia Pirrotta (0000-0003-2810-5210, University of Catania, corresponding author), Anna Maria Gueli (0000-0003-3339-7799, University of Catania), Carlo Trigona (0000-0001-6789-5580, University of Catania), Eleonora Pappalardo (0000-0002-2542-9626, University of Catania), Sebastiano Imposa (0000-0003-1738-1850, University of Catania, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Pages | 538-538 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-16 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Heritage (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2571-9408 • E-ISSN: 2571-9408 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/heritage8120538 |
| OpenAlex | W4417381594 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 47 |
The dynamic characterization of historical buildings located in a complex geological and seismological context is essential to assess seismic vulnerability and to guide conservation strategies. This study presents a non-invasive, ambient vibration-based, investigation of the Norman Castle of Aci Castello (Sicily, Italy), applying Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR), Horizontal to Horizontal Spectral Ratio (HHSR), and Random Decrement Method (RDM) to evaluate the structure’s dynamic behavior and potential Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI) effects. The fundamental site frequency, estimated within a broad plateau in the range 2.05–2.70 Hz, does not overlap with the structural frequencies of the castle, which range approximately from 6.30 Hz to 9.00 Hz in the N–S structural direction and from 3.50 Hz to 8.50 Hz in the E–W direction, indicating absence of global SSI resonance. However, the structure exhibits a complex multimodal response, with direction-dependent behavior evident both in spectral peaks and in damping ratios, ranging from 2.10–7.73% along N–S and 0.90–5.84% along E–W. These behaviors can be interpreted as possibly linked to structural complexity and the interaction with the fractured volcanic substrate, characterized by shallow cavities, as well as to the material degradation of the masonry. In particular, the localized presence of subsurface voids may induce a perturbation of the low-frequency ambient vibration wavefield (e.g., microseisms), producing a localized increase in spectral amplitude observed at Level I. The analysis indicates the absence of global SSI resonance due to the lack of overlap between site and structural fundamental frequencies, while significant local SSI effects, mainly related to cavity-induced wavefield perturbation, are observed and may represent a potential vulnerability factor. These findings highlight the relevance of vibration-based diagnostics for heritage vulnerability assessment and conservation strategies
Ambient vibration · Amplitude · Characterization (materials science · Context (archaeology · Plateau (mathematics · Spectral analysis · Spectral slope · Vibration · Volcano · Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis · Seismic Performance and Analysis · Seismic Waves and Analysis
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| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |