| The response of buildings under seismic loads is a function of their structural characteristics, therefore the qualities and deficiencies associated with them. If the new structures meet the seismic standards established, since 1960 in Canada, the built heritage of the major cities of the province of Quebec consists of a large number of old buildings. It is generally accepted that these structures have a high vulnerability and among them, the unreinforced masonry churches are considered most vulnerable. This research focuses on the vulnerability assessment of those cut stone church buildings built in Quebec before 1945. They are 714 structures with a significant proportion have a heritage value or a confirmed interest.;On the basis of an inventory of 108 church buildings on the island of Montreal, the main structural and nonstructural parameters modeling their seismic behavior were analyzed. The analysis of the response to two macroelements known as the most vulnerable, the main and side facades and bell tower was completed. The results show that the vulnerability of the walls is associated with the quality of its connection with the rest of the structure and their thickness while the fundamental period and the seismic hazard govern the vulnerability of the tower. Developing a form for rapid assessment of the vulnerability of churches is also an output of our research. The form can be used as a management tool by the government authorities.;Given the interest of the seismic assessment of existing buildings, recommendations are made to improve the knowledge on the seismic vulnerability of the built environment of the province of Quebec.;Keywords: seismic vulnerability, heritage churches, masonry, structural characterization, observed damages, macroelements.;The experience gained in Europe, especially in Italy and Switzerland, in the conservation/preservation of heritage buildings and the observation of their behavior during earthquakes have led to the development of different methods of analysis. Among these methods, the macroelements approach was chosen. It relies on the assumption that the main church structures are composed of free structural elements acting in quasi-independence to each other. |
