Criteria for intervention and recommendations on seismic design in structures of the historical heritage

Abstract

This paper describes the peculiar conditions of historic masonry structures subjected to seismic actions. The present seismic standards govern modern constructures with columns and beams; but masonry buildings are built upon a base of gravity systems, which work on compression, as stone materials with no tractions. In another hand, the appearance of cracks, until now, was the reason for a diagnosis of decay. Our present knowledge about classic building materials, techniques and construction stages indicates that old buildings must be considered and analyzed from a particular viewpoint. Finally, some recommendations of seismic designs for masonry structures are included.