LATERAN , http://prev.enea.it

In collaboration with: Archaeological Superintendence of Rome, Superintendence of Monuments of Rome, SEA (Società Europont Appalti), ENEA MAT, coord. Prof. M. Diana Years: 2007 - 2008

The Obelisk was built in 15th centu- ry B.C. and brought by Constantius II to Rome in 357 A.D. It was lost and found again in 1587 and on August 3rd, 1588, according to the project of the architect , the Obelisk was raised in San Giovanni in Laterano, strategi- cally one of the most important ar- eas in Rome. Measurements of ambient and traf- fic-induced vibrations on the Obe- lisk were carried out, as part of a general study for preservation ef- forts. The recordings were obtained by the installation of velocimetric sensors on the structure, in differ- ent configurations.

Data obtained were analyzed in time and frequency do- main, providing the first structural resonances and the corresponding mode shapes of the Obelisk. The experimental results were also compared with those obtained numerically by means of a finite element model. Mode 2 WE Mode 3 NS Mode 4 WE f = 1.27 Hz f = 6.73 Hz f = 6.15 Hz Noise measurements were also carried References out by arranging the sensors to the Buffarini G., Clemente P., Paciello ground at various hours of the day. No A., Rinaldis D. (2008). “Vibra- amplification of motion due to site ef- tion Analysis of the Lateran Obelisk”. Proc., 14th WCEE, Pa- fects was detected but the dynamic re- per S11-055, IAEE & CAEE, Mira sponse at the site was influenced by the Digital Publ., Saint Louis. presence of ancient underground struc- Buffarini G., Clemente P., Paciello tures. A., Rinaldis D. (2009). “The Lat- 0.16 V (S1) eran Obelisk: Experimental 0.14 V (S2) analysis and model- 0.12 V (D1) ling”. (Proc., PROHITECH 09, 0.10 V (C1) Vol. 1, 841-848, Taylor & Fran- V (D3) 0.08 cis Group, London. V (C3)

0.06 V (D2) Buffarini G., Clemente P., Rinaldis Amp. (mm) Amp. 0.04 V (C2) D. (2009). “Experimental Dy- 0.02 namic Analysis of Cultural Her- 0.00 itage Buildings”. Proc., IOMAC 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 2009, 459-466. Freq. (Hz) Contact: [email protected]