Evaluation of the structural health status of the coverings of Villa dei Misteri in Pompeii

Villa dei Misteri is one of the most visited monuments of the archaeological area of Pompeii. It is sited just outside the excavations and take is name from the superb frescoes depicting ritual mysteries. The ancient masonry structures, dating from the third century B.C. to the Vesuvian eruption, are protected from weathering by modern roofs built in various materials (reinforced concrete, timber, steel). After the collapse, in the fall of 2012, of a decayed timber joist, the Superintendence decided to carry out, in collaboration with ENEA, a detailed survey of all the covering structures to evaluate its health status and assess the safety condition of the monument. This paper illustrates the research methodology developed, which is based on a multidisciplinary approach including historical research, geometrical and structural surveys, damage assessment based on both in situ and laboratory diagnostic tests, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) remote sensing to inspect area and coverings not easy to reach in safe, and, as basis for seismic safety assessment, ambient vibration measurement to characterize the dynamic response of the soil and of the most relevant structural components of the Villa. The preliminary results of the first stage of the diagnostic campaign are also presented.