Measuring and leveling roman aqueducts to estimate their flows

The aqueducts are the most impressive and original building of the ancient Rome. Until the year 312 B.C. the Romans were satisfied to use the water that drew from the Tiber, from wells and springs. Subsequently, with the increase of the city, it became more and more urgent the problem of water supply and, especially following the diffusion of the baths (Fig. 1), the wells and springs were no longer sufficient. The Romans then began to build numerous aqueducts to bring water from distant sources in their cities, supplying thermal baths, fountains and private homes. The aqueducts moved water only by gravity, being constructed with a slight downward slope, within conduits of stone, brick or concrete. All along valleys or plains, the conduit was supported by buildings with arches, or its contents were placed to pressure in lead, ceramic or stone pipes. Most of the systems of aqueducts included sedimentation tanks, sluice gates and distribution tanks to adjust the supply according to the needs. In the present work a 1917 survey of a part of the roman aqueducts was repeated (where possible), and widened to study a model to better estimate their flows.