Geomatic measurement of “New Aniene” and “Claudia” roman aqueducts for flows estimation

The aqueducts are the most impressive and original building of the ancient Rome. The aqueducts moved water only by gravity, being constructed with a slight downward slope, within conduits of stone, brick or concrete. All along valleys or plains, the conduit was supported by buildings with arches, or its contents were placed to pressure in lead, ceramic or stone pipes. The aim of this work is to study and determine the slope and so to evaluate the actual flows, considering also that the area is interested by crustal movements. To evaluate it a geomatic survey of a part of the New Aniene and Claudia roman aqueducts was realised. The measured average slopes have values close to the value of 2 described in ancient texts that report the details of the realization of the Roman works. From the slopes through a hydraulic model the flow rate has been calculated. The general lowering of the study area was also highlighted through the comparison of reconstructed lines slope and those realized in 1917, approximately equal to 0.45 m

Measuring and leveling roman aqueducts to estimate their flows

The aqueducts are the most impressive and original building of the ancient Rome. Until the year 312 B.C. the Romans were satisfied to use the water that drew from the Tiber, from wells and springs. Subsequently, with the increase of the city, it became more and more urgent the problem of water supply and, especially following the diffusion of the baths (Fig. 1), the wells and springs were no longer sufficient. The Romans then began to build numerous aqueducts to bring water from distant sources in their cities, supplying thermal baths, fountains and private homes. The aqueducts moved water only by gravity, being constructed with a slight downward slope, within conduits of stone, brick or concrete. All along valleys or plains, the conduit was supported by buildings with arches, or its contents were placed to pressure in lead, ceramic or stone pipes. Most of the systems of aqueducts included sedimentation tanks, sluice gates and distribution tanks to adjust the supply according to the needs. In the present work a 1917 survey of a part of the roman aqueducts was repeated (where possible), and widened to study a model to better estimate their flows