Local seismic response in the historical centre of Nafplio (Greece) as a tool for seismic risk management

Analysis of local seismic response is a crucial tool for assessing site-specific seismic hazards, particularly in urban areas of cultural and historical significance. However, these analyses often overlook the complexities of near-surface geological and topographical conditions, especially in regions with medium to high seismic activity. This study, funded by the H2020RISE-Marie Curie Action in the framework of the STABLE (STructural stABiLity risk assEssment) project, focuses on the local seismic response of Nafplio (Greece), an urban area rich in cultural heritage. By adopting an integrated methodology, we aim to enhance the understanding of seismic risk in complex subsoil environments. The approach involves: (i) constructing a 3D geological model of the area’s subsoil setting, including it in an engineering geological modelling; (ii) estimating the resonance frequency of the soft soils using ambient seismic noise measurements and earthquake-based geophysical techniques; (iii) generating response spectra for three return periods of 50, 475, and 2000 years using both 1D and 2D numerical modelling approaches. A strict integration of engineering geological, geophysical and numerical modelling results provided a more robust framework for evaluating local seismic amplification in a geologically complex urban contest, where both stratigraphic and topographic effects can be expected to act in modifying the seismic shaking scenario, so offering a valuable example of a work frame adapt to manage risk mitigation in a increasing resilience perspective for high seismicity urban areas.