FE modelling for the nonlinear dynamics of a historic tower in Central Italy

The dynamics of a medieval tower, on the upper side of San Severino Marche (Central Italy), subjected to transversal dynamic loadings was analysed. An advanced numerical model is utilised to have an insight into the modalities of progressive damage of the structure under strong nonlinear dynamic excitations, namely the FE concrete damage plasticity (CDP) model. A full 3D detailed discretisation is adopted. From the numerical results, both the role played by the actual geometries and the insufficient resistance of the constituent materials are envisaged, showing a good match with crack patterns observed after the seismic sequence of 2016-2017.