Field team survey of the Sant’Apollinare church in Poggio Valle (TE)

Translation from Italian to English by Elide Pantoli (University of California, San Diego)

Date:                                     September 30th 2016

Category:                            Parrochial Church

Name of the structure:     Chiesa di Sant’Apollinare

Building typology:              Unreinforced masonry

Municipality:                        Poggio Valle, Torricella Sicura (TE)

Epicentral distance:          [29 km]

Description of damage:

This structure, already marked as unsafe after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, showed a relevant worsening of the pre-existing damage. The team observed the partial collapse of the vault above the choir stall and widespread damage in both the other vaults in the nave and in the perimeter walls. The overturning mechanism of the facade was also evident, and it was probably caused by the collapse of the vault. In addition, shear cracks were observed in the small vaults supporting the choir stall.

 

Figure 1. Sant’Apollinare church, Poggio Valle, Torricella Sicura (TE).	Figure 2. Sant’Apollinare church, Poggio Valle, Torricella Sicura (TE).
Figure 3. Sant’Apollinare church, Poggio Valle, Torricella Sicura (TE).	Figure 4. Sant’Apollinare church, Poggio Valle, Torricella Sicura (TE).