Multilevel framework for risk assessment of cultural heritage: application to a case study

To date, several multilevel methodologies for seismic risk assessment and management of cultural heritage are available in the literature. These tools enable knowledge and analysis of historic buildings for proper maintenance and interventions design. This paper presents the preliminary results of an ongoing research project aimed at developing a new multilevel and multicriteria methodology for risk assessment of cultural heritage, with a particular focus on existing masonry churches. Since European churches are the target of this work, case studies from Italy and Romania have been selected to support and validate the methodology. The approach is structured in five progressive levels of analysis, each supported by specific forms designed to collect the necessary information for evaluating hazard, vulnerability, and exposure, ultimately leading to risk assessment. As the level of analysis increases, so does the need for more detailed data, documentation, and intervention strategies. In this study, only the first level of assessment is applied (Level 0_E). The selected case studies are introduced and integrated into the methodological framework. Finally, the outcomes of this initial level of analysis are presented, along with preliminary considerations and insights.