On the Role of Historical Research in the Structural Condition Assessment of Heritage Structures

Natural events and the degradation of materials cause the loss of historical built heritage worldwide. An attempt to provide a comprehensive answer to the need for structural safety and conservation has been made during the last decades in several European countries because of major earthquakes. Innovative approaches and recommendations have been included in relevant technical codes, whose revision and validation are ongoing. Progress in technology and technical knowledge deployed new and detailed tools for the quantitative analysis of heritage structures, but this has led to the need of a continuous and conscious interaction between different professionals despite their cultural background. This chapter deals with the role of historical research in the technical process regarding the structural assessment and design of works to ensure the stability and durability of historical structures exposed to seismic and other natural hazards. Historical analysis is crucial in the assessment of built heritage, and it makes it possible to draft accurate and effective in situ investigation plans, essential for the implementation of structural models and analyses. Some examples of historical analyses complying with the needs associated to structural performance assessment are illustrated to this aim.