Analysis of the structural behaviour of the historical Constructions by the damage model through mechanical characterization of the material obtained by laboratory tests. This analysis has been particularly applied to the case historical construction of the Cathedral of Valencia (Spain), this is a representative example of Mediterranean Gothic with a structure formed by two sets of diaphragmatic walls, breaking with the Central European Gothic canons. In this research we have been conducted laboratory tests of samples taken from the masonry, in order to use these mechanical properties of the material nonlinear numerical models so that the results will allow an accurate calibration of material behaviour for both gravitational and seismic actions. The study carried out justifies the reasons of the differences between the Mediterranean Gothic and the traditional. The necessity of the walls continuity will be demonstrated by the flying buttresses that turn into authentic diaphragm walls.

.es (V. Llopis Pulido) RESUMEN Las características constructivas de la catedral de Valencia la convierten en un ejemplo representativo del gótico mediterrá-neo: reducida esbeltez, escasa diferencia de altura entre las naves y limitadas dimensiones de huecos.Estas características se explican a partir del presente trabajo donde se muestra un estudio constructivo y un análisis del sistema estructural frente a cargas gravitatorias y efectos sísmicos. En el análisis se utiliza el método por empujes incrementales (pushover) y el método no-lineal de modelo de daño. La función de arbotantes y diafragmas quedará patente con la modificación del modelo MEF que eliminará progresivamente cada uno de estos elementos constructivos.Los resultados muestran una suficiente capacidad resistente frente a un sismo con un período de retorno de 475 años que empeora si se considera de 950 años. Se evidenciará la necesidad de la continuidad muraria a través de los arbotantes que se convierten en auténticos muros diafragmáticos.Palabras clave: Gótico mediterráneo; análisis sísmico; pushover; modelo de daño; elementos finitos; período retorno. ABSTRACT

In recent years, the importance of structural interventions in architectural heritage for repairing and strengthening has increased considerably. During the 20th century, there has been a tendency to replace traditional materials with the most widespread "new" materials used: steel and reinforced concrete. However, in many cases, the durability of the interventions has not been as expected. An extensive damage to the ancient masonry due to incompatibility of reinforced concrete with the old materials has been clearly established, leading to a rapid deterioration. International centers, such as ICOMOS, have recommended the use of materials similar in composition and properties to the original ones for the restoration works. An adequate choice of mortars is critical to the success of a restoration process. Compatibility between the new mortar and the original components is very desirable. So that, the renascence of lime based mortars technology for the restoration of historic structures has been observed. Besides that, steel presents several practical difficulties in protecting against corrosion and environmental effects, and sometimes in their handling at the construction site. As an alternative, steel can be replaced with advanced fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, commonly called composites, which offer excellent physical and mechanical properties and are lightweight and insensitive to corrosion. The present analysis shows the use of lime-based concrete, with pozzolanic loads, internally reinforced by GFRP bars. Lime concrete manages to consolidate the existing historical building, providing safety to masonry structure and solving their structural problems. In addition, GFRP bars exhibit a high tensile strength required. The performance of this combination is investigated by numerical simulation using the FEM method. The response is simulated firstly with current materials (as reference) and finally with the proposed lime based concrete reinforced with GFRP. 

The survey of the real geometries of historical constructions and their graphic analysis becomes essential in the knowledge of past cultures, especially when there are no documentary references or architectural parallels to rely on. The study of the missing elevations of the tower in the Iberian settlement of Rochina can help to understand a way of building in the protohistoric period thanks to theoretical and justified three-dimensional tower recreations and their corresponding evaluations in terms of structural behaviour.

Castillejo of Monteagudo (Murcia, Spain). Comprehensive analysis for Islamic structures conservation in seismic regionsThe Castillejo of Monteagudo, which was built on second half of the twelfth century, is a fortified palace situated on rural suburbs of Murcia. It is 4 km to the northeast from the historic center of the city. This monument was part of a big almunia constitued by several emblematic buildings and some important hydraulic and agricultural infrastructures. It is unique in the Iberian Peninsula so its study and conservation are important to understand a not so well known historical period. The walls of this building were constructed in rammed earth and they contained one of the most important cruised patio of hispanic-muslim architecture. In spite of been listed as a Cultural Interest property its conservation state is awful. Its abandonment hinders its preservation for future generations. The Region of Murcia is an area with seismic activity. So, considering the place where the Castillejo is located, a seismic-structural study from a virtual model is executed to check its behavior in front of an earthquake. The results supply relevant information of both its current structural conservation state and its behavior or damages in case of a seismic event. That allow us to assess how urgent an intervention is and also it assures the correct way of conservation, restoration and maintenance.