The use of wood with an anti-seismic function in the architecture of palermo during the 18th century

Abstract

The study analyzes the interventions in the historical buildings after the earthquakes that struck Palermo in 1726 and 1751, with a particular attention to the anti-seismic reinforcements. The research, based primarily on archival documents, focuses on a series of interventions in the architectural heritage, in which the use of wood for structural elements, was able to guarantee for an “antiseismic” reconstruction. Although wood was not commonly used as other materials (iron, for instance) in the post-earthquake reconstruction process of Palermo it was certified its use as an anti-seismic system in the reinforcements of the damaged buildings. It is documented, for instance, the insertion of wooden beams, used similarly to iron chains, both in monumental buildings, and also in the less valuable ones, useful to provide a better cohesion for the masonries, or the introduction of wooden and lightweight partition walls; or, even, the substitution of stone vaults with vaulted wooden structures or ceilings and the realization of staircases using wood for the entire main structure.