Anastylosis of the northeastern tower of the ancient fortress of Aegosthena in Attica: construction analysis, collapse mechanism and interventions for the improvement of the foundation condit
Anastylosis of the northeastern tower of the ancient fortress of Aegosthena in Attica: construction analysis, collapse mechanism and interventions for the improvement of the foundation condit
The northeastern tower of the Hellenistic fortress of Aegosthena in Attica presents significant conservation and structural challenges due to its complex foundation conditions. In the present study, the structural analysis of the tower demonstrated that the original foundation system was insufficient to safely support the superstructure, contributing to the observed instabilities and collapse mechanisms. To address these issues, a detailed geotechnical investigation was carried out, considering both shallow and deep foundation alternatives. Shallow foundations were found to require extensive earthworks and remediation of the heterogeneous fill, which would result in substantial disturbance and loss of the original ancient filling and construction techniques. Conversely, deep foundations using micropiles were shown to provide uniform bearing conditions, effectively supporting the superstructure while minimizing intervention into the existing fill. The micropile system not only stabilizes the tower but also functions as a confinement enhancing the stability of the surrounding soil without compromising the archaeological integrity of the site. Comparative analyses of the two foundation strategies confirmed the superiority of the deep foundation approach in terms of structural performance, preservation of heritage materials, and minimal impact on the historical context. The findings provided a technical basis for the anastylosis of the northeastern tower and demonstrate how modern geotechnical and structural interventions can be integrated with the conservation of ancient masonry to ensure both safety and preservation.
Eleni-Eva Toumbakari; Dimitrios Egglezos
4th International Symposium on the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites
Restoration Engineering and Structural Interventions
https://doi.org/10.53243/tc301-2026-43