THE EARTHQUAKE OF 1997 IN THE MARCHE REGION (ITALY): DAMAGE MECHANISMS, REPAIR METHODOLOGY AND RELATIVE COSTS FOR MASONRY BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS.

This report summarizes the most significant aspects of research financed by the Marche Region's Scientific and Technical Committee (CTS) for the coordination and re-establishing of post-seismic activities; this research was the result of close collaboration between the Structural, Water, and Soil Engineering Department of the University of L'Aquila, the Marche Region and the National Research Council-Construction Technologies Institute (CNR-ITC) in L'Aquila. Damage and collapse mechanisms and the efficacy of restoration and anti-seismic measures were studied through the analysis and classification of the damage to masonry buildings caused by the Umbro-Marchigiana earthquake of 1997. The efficacy and economical benefit of the techniques used and the strategies adopted to reduce seismic vulnerability were studied in particular detail. The research therefore developed along two lines: damage mechanisms and cost of intervention. This paper summarizes the work and results of this study which are fully documented in a book published by the CNR-ITC.