Diagnosis and monitoring of timber buildings of cultural heritage

The aim of this paper is to present a methodology for the evaluation of historical timber frame structures, based on numerical modelling coupled with on site measurements. The underlying question which is raised in this research project is: how can we assess the current state of safety of a structure which has several centuries of existence, and is likely to undergo new loads for various reasons? The dynamic response of a timber frame bell tower to the swinging bell action has been measured at critical points, identified by a parametric study, and compared to a FE analysis of the system, using modified EC5 assumptions. The results have shown that the kinematics of horizontal displacements is correctly described by the numerical model, as well as the calculated amplitude of movements. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.