Effectiveness of seismic retrofit for stone masonry structures

Theis paper analyses the effectiveness of various seismic retrofitting techniques for the renovation of stone masonry structures. The first part of the paper summarizes the most widely used principles for strengthening of buildings made of natural stone units or a mixture of mortar and natural stone aggregate. In the second part of the paper some selected retrofitting techniques are applied for the structural and seismic renovation of a historical object (church built around 1570 located in Soloava in Slovenia). Before 2006 the church was critically cracked and not unsuitable for use. The retrofitting study made by the authors included the mandatory and recommended measures that should have taken place immediately, to prevent the settling down of the foundations and the increase of seismic resistance of the church. To date only partial strengthening of the foundations has taken place. The behavior of the church in various renewal stages was verified with computer program analysis with a very refined 3D computer model of the church. Three models were analyzed: a) a model of the existing church including the settling down of the SE wall, b) a model of the existing church after the partial retrofitting of the foundations in 2006 and c) a model as b), including the minimum suggested retrofitting proposals.