Proposed by Czech Technical University Prague (CTU)
Potential research partner for the SEISMIC HERITAGE project, contributing expertise in structural engineering, seismic assessment, inspection and diagnosis of historic buildings, structural analysis, and conservation and strengthening of architectural heritage. The proposed collaboration would support the development and validation of methods for assessing and improving the resilience of historic buildings, including pilot studies in Georgia and other European countries.
Description
Historic buildings and settlements across Europe face increasing risks from earthquakes, climate change, extreme weather, ageing materials and inadequate maintenance. These threats endanger not only buildings but also the cultural identity, traditional knowledge and social vitality of historic communities. The SEISMIC HERITAGE project aims to develop and demonstrate an integrated, interdisciplinary framework for assessing, monitoring and improving the resilience of historic buildings and settlements while preserving their cultural significance and architectural authenticity. The project will combine structural and seismic risk assessment, climate-risk analysis, digital documentation, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins, innovative monitoring methods and heritage-compatible, low-impact conservation and rehabilitation solutions. It will connect engineering research with cultural heritage conservation, local communities, public authorities and traditional building knowledge. Georgia, including the historic settlements of Svaneti, could serve as a demonstration area, alongside selected European pilot sites. The project will develop transferable methodologies, practical guidance, training activities and policy recommendations to support evidence-based heritage protection and sustainable cultural tourism. The Georgian Society of Civil Engineers (GSCE) proposes to contribute its expertise in civil engineering, building-condition assessment, structural safety, professional cooperation and international knowledge exchange. The project seeks a multidisciplinary European consortium to maximise scientific, societal and practical impact and strengthen cooperation between engineering and cultural heritage communities.