Earthquakes are rare and infrequent natural phenomena with considerable consequences for the urban environment, human life and society. Croatia is a country highly exposed to seismic risks due to its geographical location and its large stock of unreinforced masonry buildings (URM). This article proposes an assessment of their vulnerability by combining a macroseismic approach, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of a group of buildings, with detailed numerical modelling of a building in Zagreb using 3Muri 12.2 software. Three reinforcement techniques are compared in terms of their structural performance, cost, carbon footprint and compatibility with the built heritage. The study shows that each method has advantages and limitations: shotcrete is low-cost but has a high carbon impact and can be too invasive for heritage buildings; FRP offers the best structural performance but remains very expensive, while FRCM appears to be a balanced compromise, combining performance, durability and compliance with architectural conservation constraints. This article highlights the importance of adapting the approach to each situation and combining reliable assessment with appropriate reinforcement solutions. It also invites reflection on the possibility of linking seismic interventions and energy renovations to improve safety, economy, sustainability and living comfort.
Ducom et al. (Fri,) studied this question.