Historical structures represent irreplaceable cultural assets and require specialized multidisciplinary approaches for their protection, especially in seismic regions. This paper presents a detailed case study on the conservation and renewal of Tower C, part of the historical city walls of Durrës, Albania, following the destructive earthquake of 26 November 2019. The study integrates geological field investigations, geophysical surveys, laboratory testing of soils and masonry materials, and numerical modeling to assess the causes of damage and design appropriate conservation measures. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys revealed a previously unknown cavity beneath the foundation, which proved to be a key factor controlling structural instability. Laboratory tests confirmed the reusability of original masonry units, supporting material authenticity in reconstruction. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) clarified the failure mechanism resulting from differential settlement and seismic loading. The adopted conservation strategy combined foundation consolidation, staged reconstruction, and continuous monitoring, ensuring both structural safety and preservation of historical value. This case study highlights the crucial role of geotechnical engineering within heritage conservation in seismic-prone areas.
Malaj et al. (Thu,) studied this question.