This work describes an approach for combining local and global nondestructive techniques for the structural characterization and conservation assessment of cultural heritage buildings. An experimental investigation program was conducted on the south vault of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, involving historical investigations, a damage survey, sonic tests, and ambient vibration measurements. Recorded data were employed to assess the material and structural properties of the vault and to characterize the observed damage pattern. The study of the correlation between results of sonic tests and ambient vibration measurements has shown how, in complex structural typologies, the information provided by both these two kinds of tests are necessary in order to effectively characterize the structural behaviour, which is strongly influenced by the complexity of geometry and restraint condition. Experimental results have been used for the validation of a numerical model adopting a nonconventional approach. The procedure is based on comparing numerical simulation of ambient vibration response in terms of the frequency content of acceleration signals. This approach can be performed using only a limited number of measured acceleration signals, proving to be useful and cost-effective. The work aims to provide helpful insights into the combined use of non-destructive tests for the efficient structural characterization and safety assessment of heritage structures.

Masonry buildings are still very common in the area with high seismic zone, such as the Mediterranean countries and other areas of the world recently hit by earthquakes of considerable intensity. The structural reinforcement of the masonry load-bearing elements is often necessary to increase their seismic resistance, also underway to modern regulatory codes. The use of FRP materials (fiber-reinforced polymers), produced by the pultrusion process, is for these purposes of a possible solutions. FRP pultruded structural elements could enhance the seismic capacity of the reinforced masonry structure and represent an advantage. The application of these materials in the field of structural reinforcement, takes place by gluing with appropriate adhesives or by bolting on the element to be reinforced. The aim of our research is the evaluation of the life cycle (LCA) of FRP glued a halted to the masonry. In detail, the research shows the final experimental results, related to the residual mechanical performance of pultruded samples subject to induced aging.

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