Investigation on the damages induced by slope movements on historic buildings: the case of San Nicolò di Capodimonte church in Liguria

ABSTRACT: Italy has more cultural heritage to preserve than any other country on earth and, unfortunately, it is ex-posed to several nature hazards that pose in a serious risk historical buildings located in critical areas. A specific research is underway with the aim of proposing a methodology to analyze the effects and damage induced by slope movements on historic buildings and churches. In this context, some case histories have been selected. The case study proposed in the paper is the Romanic church of S.Nicolò di Capodimonte located on the Portofino promontory (Liguria), which vulnerability is particularly increased by its loca-tion, as demonstrated by existing crack patterns presently under monitoring. After data collection, several numerical analyses were performed, changing hazard scenarios. The results have been compared with the damage in the church, allowing the interpretation of the crack pattern according to the direction of movement. Finally, an assessment of the damage level has been performed, which shows the critical con-text for the monument under investigation.