Fiber-Based Modeling and Analysis of Deteriorated Reinforced Concrete Heritage Structures: The Case Study of “Palazzetto Dello Sport” by Pier Luigi Nervi

Nonlinear static analyses of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures represent a valuable tool to investigate the seismic response of existing reinforced concrete structures. Such analyses assume even more importance for modern heritage architectures in which deterioration phenomena are frequently encountered. For this class of RC structures, it is very important to properly assess the influence of these phenomena in the structural capacity, even though it implies additional complexity to the analysis. Within this context, the non-linear response of the reinforced concrete Y-shaped trestles designed and built by Pier Luigi Nervi to support the spherical dome of the Palazzetto dello Sport in Rome, is analyzed in this study. The frame has been modeled by means of non-linear force-based fiber elements, implemented in the OpenseesPy code. Based on the observed deterioration state, different models have been elaborated to compare the structure’s original configuration with the current one accounting for deterioration scenarios with increasing severity. Previsions of loss of global strength and residual ductility have been made through a modelling approach enabling to consider the reduction of mechanical properties according to Local Deterioration Indexes.