We investigate the promising capabilities of genetic algorithms (GA) for identifying
collapse mechanisms in masonry buildings. This work deepens the knowledge
of seismic behavior through the case study of the Padula palace, which is
in the old town of Acri, in the province of Cosenza (Italy). The study of
the structural behavior was performed by numerical modeling, developed
by FaTaNext software, based on macroelements, and then by a nonlinear
static analysis (pushover) by using Abaqus software. The obtained results
were used in a second step for the determination and identification of the
collapse mechanisms with the greatest probability of activation using genetic
algorithms with Grasshopper. The validity of both methodologies is found in the
satisfaction of the requirements set by the standards and in the actual ability to
define plausible global behavior. An innovative procedure was proposed for
the seismic evaluation, studying the possible modes of structural collapse
with the aid of GA. This parametric method allows an effective collapse
identification for the elevated structures that have greater fragility, allowing design
attention to be focused on the elements characterized by a greater probability of
collapse.