The Roman Bridge on the Savuto River: understanding its dynamical structural behavior through the adaptive DFEM method

Fabrizio Barone, Salvatore Antonio Fornaro, Armando Di Maio, Marco Casazza

Abstract

The valorization of heritage structures requires a multidisciplinary approach based on effective models, seen as epistemic tools that empower both scientists and heritage managers in understanding, contextualizing and interpreting the value of the historical structure as a characteristic element of local identity (genius loci). This vision goes well beyond classic structural behavior and health assessment, since it implies a different approach and the application of metrological knowledge in models’ development. This is the case of our innovative hybrid approach, the Dynamic Finite Element Modeling (DFEM) metrological procedure, consisting in the evolutive optimization of a classic Finite Element Model tailored on the measurements of a high-quality monitoring system. The application of this procedure to the Roman bridge on the Savuto River (Altilia-Scigliano municipalities, Calabria Region, Italy) shows its remarkable power not only in simulating the dynamic behavior of the bridge, but also in providing useful hints on the construction techniques.

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IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-080.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc26-2025.080

IMEKO TC

TC26 - Metrology for Cultural Heritage

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