Effects of Anthropic and Ambient Vibrations on Archaeological Sites: The Case of the Circus Maximus in Rome

Abstract

The vibration effects on the Torre della Moletta and the ruins of the Circus Maximus in Rome are analyzed in the framework of a preservation effort of this archaeological area. Thanks to its exceptional size, the Circus hosts many social events with large audience (pop-music, opera concerts, sport celebrations, etc.) every year, thus taking the structures under high anthropic and environmental stress. Recordings were completed before, during, and after the concert of a famous band, on 7 September 2019. Data were analyzed, both in time and frequency domains. The experimental dynamic recordings were coupled with a surface waves test and single-station ambient vibration recordings, which were useful for the geotechnical characterization of the soil. The results pointed out the differences in amplitudes but also in terms of frequency content of the recorded velocities during the concert with respect to before and after it. The maximum velocities recorded at various locations were almost similar to the limit values suggested by codes. The dynamic behavior of the ground and the structures is influenced by the presence of buried structures.

Integrated Modeling of Minerva Medica to Identify the Dynamic Effects of Rail-Traffic Vibrations

“…There are several studies in the literature on applications of finite-element models to study dynamic analyses with use of experimental measurements; a large part of the scientific literature concerns slender structures, such as towers and minarets [4][5][6][7][8]. There are also works regarding ancient Roman constructions, such as the Colosseum [3,9,10], the Basilica of Maxentius [2], the Baths of Diocletian [11], the Trajan Arch [12], the Circus Maximum [13], the Frontinus Gate [14], the Verona Arena [15], and the so-called Temple of Minerva Medica [16,17]; the main focus of these studies is dynamic identification, thus processing of site-recorded data to extract the modal features of these constructions.…”

Dynamic Characterization of the Circus Maximus Archeological Site

“…The historical site is characterized by three sensor placement strategies to record ambient vibration response. Since the major international festivals of Italian capitals are held on this site, the acquired modal properties are compared with their counterparts derived in 2019 to detect anomalies [10]. Additionally, due to the inherent vulnerability of modal parameters against thermal variation, long-term SHM monitoring is carried out to evaluate their impact.…”

Experimental Vibration Analysis in the Knowledge Process of a Historic Confined Masonry Building

“…In the third case, an accurate analysis of the materials was carried out in parallel with the dynamic analysis, through non-destructive tests, and was able to develop an effective numerical finite elements model. Recently, particular attention has been paid to the possibility of using historical structures to host social events, such as pop music concerts [7].…”