Site characterization for assessment of the seismic vulnerability of ancient buildings in the center of Macerata

This paper illustrates the results of site investigations carried out in the center of Macerata, a town of about 40,000 inhabitants located in the vast region struck by the 2016-2017 Central Italy seismic sequence. The site investigations were planned as part of a study for the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of two ancient buildings, property of the University of Macerata. The investigation program comprised boreholes to 40-100 m depth, Vs measurements by seismic dilatometer in backfilled boreholes to 40-100 m, down-hole tests to 40 m, surface wave tests and seismic noise measurements. Laboratory tests, including cyclic/dynamic tests, were carried out on undisturbed samples. The site characterization based on in-situ investigations and laboratory test results is described in the paper. The investigation data permitted to define the input geotechnical subsoil model and related parameters for a site response analysis aimed at evaluating the seismic action on the existing buildings.