The effects of L’aquila earthquake on the St. Gemma church in Goriano Sicoli: part II—fem analysis

In order to integrate the study undertaken in the companion paper, the main outcomes of a linear response spectrum analysis carried out by the FEM numerical model of the St. Gemma church in Goriano Sicoli are presented in current paper. The proposed model has been calibrated on the basis of ambient vibration tests carried out on the building in the damaged state. Numerical model reliability has been proved by its capability to reproduce the crack pattern observed on the church as it was provoked by the occurred earthquake. The structural response of the church has been investigated by interpreting the stress distribution with the aim of understanding the zone where the major stress concentrations occur. The purpose of the study is to provide useful indications on the main structural vulnerability of this type of building in order to extend the main outcomes to similar churches belonging to the same regional area, in order to get appropriate fragility curves.