Traffic-induced vibrations on cultural heritage in urban area: the case of Villa Farnesina in Rome

Abstract

The study aims to analyse the vibrations induced by traffic on the Villa Farnesina in Rome. The ancient building was designed and erected by the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi and the walls, vaults and lodges were decorated with frescoes attributable to Raphael and other relevant Italian Renaissance painters. Villa Farnesina is located near the Lungotevere road, therefore it suffers the dangerous effects due to the urban traffic even with heavy vehicles passing, so much so that in the early seventies an anti-vibration paving was built. A six-month geophysical monitoring made it possible to analyse the propagation of the waves on the building, characterizing the vibration due to the current traffic level. The results show the vibration levels recorded on the different floors of the building.