Massive Roman arched structures. A combined approach of advanced geometric survey and graphic statics for their safety assessment

This paper proposes the combined application of advanced survey techniques and limit analysis for the safety assessment of an ancient Roman arched structure: the “Arcazzi di Piscina” in the municipality of Anagni. The geometric survey, thanks to a detailed reconstruction of the actual state of the Arcazzi, allowed it to recognize possible kinematics inducing the visible cracking at the intrados of the lintels connecting the arches to the curved wall built at their back. An evaluation of the global equilibrium of the structure was indeed only possible having recognized the presence of an additional thrust originating from the beam mechanism forming at the lintels level. This case study served the purpose of emphasising the importance of an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the structural assessment of existing historic masonry structures, which is one of the driving ideas that the Summer School on Historic Masonry Structures wishes to disseminate.