Field testing for structural behavior of a stratified monumental complex over time: Palazzo Colonna-Barberini and Templum Fortunae Praeneste

The use of recent technology in heritage conservation incremented the knowledge on structures and materials, reducing the number of uncertainties. There are different activities required for an accurate structural assessment, the interconnection and coordination of the tasks and their results are the main challenges for the optimal exploitation of information. This research presents a holistic methodology to assess the seismic behavior of a complex and stratified historical construction. The assessment methodology includes historical survey, onsite testing for mechanical characterization, geometrical survey, visual inspection and recording to define a three-dimensional model and perform nonlinear structural analysis. The specific contribution of the paper is in the mechanical characterization through the integration of field local testing, as well as sonic tomography, double flat jacks, endoscopy, with virtual inspection assisted by photogrammetry. In this work, the methodology was applied to the Palazzo Colonna-Barberini in the Templum Fortunae Praeneste in Palestrina, Italy. The geometrical model of the actual complex was defined in the Building Information Model environment based on available survey and visual recordings. The structural model was derived from the geometry and integrated with the in-situ testing results, finally it was analyzed considering the nonlinear response of the materials.