HOListic PRObabilistic framework addressed to Seismic PROtection of Cultural Heritage

Objective

HOL-PROTECH provides a novel holistic and probabilistic framework for the seismic protection of Cultural Heritage structures (CHs), capable of a comprehensive quantification of the uncertainties inherent in historic masonry. The seismic response of CHs shows high sensitivity to masonry morphology details, further amplified by material degradation. Current studies and building codes still overlook such uncertainty sources, highlighting the need for tailored probabilistic assessment methods. HOL-PROteCH targets three objectives: i) development of a probabilistic strategy addressed to CHs and their uncertainties, ii) characterization of an integrated retrofit which improves energy efficiency and structural safety, while preserving cultural identity, iii) validation of the protection strategy up to regional scale. The Metropolitan Area of Lisbon serves as a pilot study, following concerns raised by the seismic shocks recorded in 2024 and 2025. The success of HOL-PROteCH is ensured by the inter-disciplinary and inter-sectorial contribution of the institutions involved. The University of California at Berkeley (24-month outgoing phase) with the expertise of Prof. DeJong and NHERI SimCenter in the modelling of CHs and uncertainty quantification algorithms; McGill University (3-month secondment) with the competence of Prof. Malomo in integrated retrofit; Universidade do Minho (12-month return phase), through the supervision of Prof. Lourenço in heritage masonry, retrofit techniques and region-scale seismic assessment. The advanced knowledge received allows Dr. Salvalaggio to become an expert in conservation engineering, aligned with an Assistant Professor role. The project is structured in six work packages: three are dedicated to the three main objectives; while the remaining deal with training, dissemination and communication, and project management.