Reinforcement using reinforced concrete at the beginning of the 20th century in a simple masonry neo-gothic temple within a seismic context

Abstract

The high seismic vulnerability of historic simple brick masonry structures requires searching for the most appropriate intervention techniques based on the theory behind and empirical experience of their seismic performance. However, if a given technique does not meet some of the intervention criteria presented by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), such as authenticity, how can we validate its use? This research studies the effect of the reinforced concrete reinforcements incorporated after the 1928 Talca earthquake (MMI 8.3) in the Santa Filomena Church, which is an example of the simple brick masonry neo-gothic temples in Santiago de Chile, one of the most vulnerable typologies to earthquakes. Using its historical seismic performance and analysis of intervention criteria for heritage structures, this article seeks to provide an answer behind the validation of using reinforced concrete, which has been used for at least 100 years in Chile as reinforcement, as a viable intervention technique within a highly seismic context.