The seismic vulnerability of ancient free-standing multidrum stone columns is an important issue for the preservation of Greek and Roman archaeological sites. Such elements show a complex and highly non-linear dynamic behavior, requiring specific and sophisticated structural analysis. Different numerical studies on the dynamic behavior of ancient multidrum stone columns found that their seismic response is sensitive to their geometrical parameters, as well as to the material elastic properties, the kinetic coefficient of friction and the amplitude and frequency of the seismic action. Therefore, in the present research, a detailed survey of free-standing multidrum stone columns representative of a wide range of elements at the Pompeii Archaeological site was developed to provide a primary evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of such elements based on their geometrical properties. The study focuses on 103 multidrum grey-tuff columns, from four areas at the site: tetrastyle atrium of Casa del Fauno at Regio VI and Quadriportico dei Teatri, Foro Triangolare and Palestra Sannitica at Regio VIII. Grey tuff was a typically locally sourced natural stone, used as a building material in ancient Pompeii. The research areas included both private (Casa del Fauno) and public buildings (Quadriportico dei Teatri, Foro Triangolare and Palestra Sannitica). The mean overall geometrical properties affecting the seismic behavior of the columns in each research area and the discussion of the collected results are herein presented.
Preservation of archaeological asset in Pompeii site requests a systematic planning of conservation interventions based on an interdisciplinary knowledge of the built heritage, in the respect of principles of compatibility, reversibility, distinguishability and minimum intervention. Nevertheless, a specific knowledge of constructive techniques used by Roman builders in the ancient Pompeii is still lacking, especially with respect to material mechanical properties. Nowadays, structural interventions are designed based on mechanical properties provided from Italian technical Standard for existing buildings. In this study, mechanical properties of ancient mortars from Pompeii archaeological site are investigated. Eleven specimens of ancient mortars were collected. They come from masonry structures involved in the 79 A.D. Vesuvius' eruption and emerged for the first time as part of the new archaeological excavation works in Regio V, started on May 2018. Furthermore, twelve new lime-based mortars specimens by using two different aggregates were made based on literature provisions about ancient Roman construction techniques. Compressive tests were carried out on ancient and new mortars specimens and the results are herein presented and discussed.
The definition of compatible conservation interventions on the archaeological built asset requires a comprehensive knowledge of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the ancient masonry structures and their components. However, information on the mechanical properties of units, mortars and masonry assemblages are still lacking especially with reference to one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy, the Pompeii archaeological site. Thus, the paper focuses on the mechanical characterization of original rock specimens collected within the new archaeological excavation work area in Regio V of the Pompeii site. Ultrasonic pulse velocity tests (UPV) and Schmidt hammer rebound test were carried out on ten units of three different rock types: three travertine, five lava and two foam lava (i.e. "calcare del Sarno", "lava" and "cruma"). Then, UPV were carried out on 51 cubic specimens obtained from the cut of the units, both at ordinary moisture content and after drying. Finally, uniaxial compression tests were carried out on 32 cubic specimens. In the following, the results of non-destructive tests are discussed and compared with those provided by destructive tests in terms of compressive strength.
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