model updating of a masonry historical church based on operational modal analysis: the case study of San Filippo Neri in Macerata

The paper describes the approach followed in the characterization of the structural behavior of the historical masonry church of San Filippo Neri in Macerata, severely damaged and condemned after the Central Italy Earthquake occurred in October 2016. The case study of San Filippo Neri is particularly interesting: first for the historical and artistic importance of the churchfurthermorefor the evidences of recurrent structural damage. The laboratory of Proof and Research on Structures and Materials of Roma Tre University carried out an extensive onsite testing campaign - including geometric survey, flat-jack test and ambient vibration test - in order to investigate the state of the building. Operational modal analysis was used to assess the dynamic behavior of the church; the results of the testing campaign were interpreted and correlated with an accurate finite element model of the construction. The numerical model was finally tuned up based on the experimental results in order to match the dynamic behavior. The aim of the research is to set the first steps for an integrated approach able to fit and combine the resultsfrom experimental onsite testing and numerical modelling.