Dynamic and seismic behavior of monolithic objects of art: a 3D approach

The chapter will concern a two-dimensional model of isolated rigid body representing monolithic objects of art. After a general review of the literature, the considered model will be described in details. Nonlinear equations of motion will be written using a Lagrangian approach. All the conditions related to the motion will be analyzed. Analyses obtained via a direct numerical integration of the equations of motion, by exciting the system with impulsive excitation and two different registered Italian seismic ground motions, will be reported. The features of the integrator and the issue related to the integration will be highlighted. Results will be discussed in details, pointing out the influence of several geometrical parameters such as eccentricity and slenderness of the body. The effects of the introduction of security devices to limit the slip of the rigid body and the displacement of the oscillating base will be discussed. General conclusions on the benefits of the isolation applied to rigid bodies and to its limitations will be driven. The aim of the chapter is to point out the improvement brought by the isolation to the dynamic behavior of a limited class of rigid bodies that have geometrical characteristics similar to those of real works of art.