Structural Assessment of Late Neolithic Sa Covaccada Dolmen, Sardinia, Italy

The application of structural engineering tools to archaeological sites is unusual, while architects, archaeologists, and restorers are more commonly involved in these scenarios. Nevertheless, it can provide valuable indications for conservation and repair. This paper presents the structural assessment of the late Neolithic Sa Covaccada Dolmen, in Sardinia, Italy, regarded as a unicum in the Region and one of the most important megalithic monuments in the Mediterranean area. Due to severe material deterioration and extensive crack pattern, structural stability is a primary concern, yet it has not been assessed to date. To address this, both analytical rigid body analyses and 2D and 3D discrete element simulations were performed, contributing to an as challenging as fascinating multidisciplinary restoration project.