Keywords: viscoelastic energy dissipation, protection systems, vaulted masonry structures, dynamic response control, supplemental damping devices, parametric numerical analysis, historic structure retrofitting.

This study explores the use of viscoelastic devices as supplementary energy dissipation systems for improving the seismic performance of existing structures subjected to dynamic actions. The investigated case study is a real vaulted masonry structure that forms part of the monumental complex of Santa Margherita Nuova, located on the island of Procida. Due to the historical and architectural significance of such buildings, retrofitting interventions must be both effective and minimally invasive. In this context, the introduction of viscoelastic devices offers a promising solution by enhancing the structure’s dynamic response while preserving its integrity. A parametric approach is adopted to guide the design process toward optimal configurations, analyzing the sensitivity of the structural response to different mechanical parameters of the devices. Numerical simulations are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The results clearly demonstrate that properly calibrated viscoelastic devices can lead to a significant reduction in displacements, internal stresses, and energy demand. This confirms their potential as an efficient and compatible retrofitting strategy for historic masonry structures exposed to dynamic events.

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