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Geodetic monitoring and geotechnical analyses of subsidence induced settlements of historic structures
Author(s) -
Castagnetti Cristina,
Cosentini Renato Maria,
Lancellotta Renato,
Capra Alessandro
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
structural control and health monitoring
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.587
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1545-2263
pISSN - 1545-2255
DOI - 10.1002/stc.2030
Subject(s) - subsidence , geodetic datum , subsoil , human settlement , geotechnical engineering , geology , natural (archaeology) , finite element method , excavation , civil engineering , mining engineering , engineering , geodesy , structural engineering , geomorphology , paleontology , soil science , soil water , waste management , structural basin
Summary This paper focuses on the integration of geodetic monitoring and geotechnical modeling for the analyses of subsidence induced settlements in historic structures. The aim is the assessment of the behavior over time of the monuments, with particular attention to differential settlements, in order to evaluate the potential risk scenarios in a preventive strategy. The methodology is applied to the UNESCO site of Modena where the Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower are characterized by strong visible deformations due to a complex construction history, the peculiar subsoil conditions and the effects of both natural and man induced subsidence. A 3D finite element numerical model has been developed taking into account the soil characteristics gained by laboratory and in situ tests. The model takes into account the influence of previously existing structures, as well as the subsidence phenomena and provides a settlements profile in agreement with the real dataset collected by high‐precision leveling. The geodetic monitoring, carried out since 1984, allows to optimize and then to validate the numerical model giving the Conservation Authority a useful tool to manage the safety of the heritage.