Finite element modelling of rocking and sliding effects in the seismic analysis of art objects

A time-history finite element study of the seismic response of art objects is presented in this paper. Attention is focused on slender free-standing members, and metallic artworks including critical geometrical portions. The representative examples selected for the two classes are a marble column and an equestrian bronze statue, respectively. The rocking-sliding model implemented for the development of the analyses corresponds to the basic analytical and numerical simulation of the dynamic phenomenon. The safeguard of the artistic value of the objects is taken into account in the finite element investigation. The results show a high seismic vulnerability of both artworks, as assessed by an overturning-related near-collapse response of the column, and a plasticization-induced collapse of the statue, at the maximum considered earthquake level.