Damage induced by groundwater drawdown-related settlements on a Roman Aqueduct
Damage induced by groundwater drawdown-related settlements on a Roman Aqueduct
Cultural World Heritage sites are increasingly at risk from climate change and the rapid infrastructure development driven by modern urbanisation, both of which heighten their vulnerability to surface settlements. While considerable attention has been devoted to the effects of tunnelling-induced settlements on surface structures in urban areas, comparatively less focus has been given to damage caused by ground subsidence.
In this study, we investigate the impact of surface settlements induced by groundwater extraction near an ancient Roman aqueduct. The hydraulic conditions are idealised, while the soil stratigraphy is inspired by the typical context of the Rome metropolitan area. The geometry and mechanical properties of the analysed structure reproduce those of the Aqua Claudia, a monumental 1st-century AD aqueduct, renowned for its advanced engineering and majestic arches.
The problem is addressed through coupled three-dimensional finite element analyses, in which the aqueduct is modelled accounting for its complex geometry and nonlinear structural behaviour. A recently developed multilaminate constitutive model is employed to capture the strength anisotropy associated with the inherent masonry texture.
The analyses aim to provide insights that extend beyond this specific case study. Considering the magnitude and distribution of the computed settlements, analogous implications can indeed be drawn for subsidence induced by different triggering mechanisms, including seasonal drying and shrinkage of soils or coastal movements induced by sea-level rise.
Marialuigia Sangirardi; F. Rollo; Giacomo Di Santo; S. Barsoum; Angelo Amorosi
4th International Symposium on the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites
Heritage Sites and Urban Development
https://doi.org/10.53243/tc301-2026-103