Development of key performance indicators for the structural assessment of heritage buildings

The present paper tries to fill in the existing gap between the structural health monitoring
(SHM) practice and the performance assessment. To this end, the structural behaviour of a
Portuguese historic masonry church severely damaged because of soil differential
settlements is thoroughly investigated and selected key performance indicators (KPIs) are
monitored and analysed in order to define appropriate warning levels and support decisionmaking on asset management. The results show how case-specific performance metrics may
help to: (i) establish baseline information on the current structural condition; (ii) set
performance standards; (iii) optimise the control of the structural integrity during the
system’s life cycle; (iv) track and quantify the effects of changes in the system’s response
over time, whether be related to endogenous causes or dependent on exogenous factors.