SEISMic risk and URBan resilience in historical environments: the case study of Molfetta, Italy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The Italian building stock is highly heterogeneous, encompassing historic, transitional, and modern structures that coexist within the same urban fabric. A large portion of this heritage consists of masonry buildings lacking seismic design criteria and frequently modified through uncontrolled interventions, which significantly compromise their structural integrity. Moreover, many reinforced concrete buildings constructed during the post-war period show deficiencies related to inadequate design, poor material quality, and the absence of effective seismic regulations at the time of their construction. These factors collectively contribute to a high level of seismic vulnerability across Italian cities. This paper proposes an integrated approach to seismic risk assessment and resilient spatial planning, applicable to different built environments. By combining a taxonomic classification of buildings with data on seismic hazard and structural vulnerability, the methodology enables a multi-scale evaluation of seismic risk within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. The GIS-based environment supports the spatial analysis and visualization of risk patterns, enhancing decision-making for prevention and preparedness. The expected outcomes include the identification of effective strategies for risk mitigation, the prioritization of interventions on vulnerable structures, and the development of tools to support emergency management and the long-term resilience of the built environment. The methodology has been applied to the historical city center of Molfetta, Italy.
Source: Procedia Structural Integrity
Institution: Pegaso University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214735005