In Rome urban area, within the garden dedicated
to Ytzhak Rabin (a portion of the Villa Ada park),
occurrence of a few collapses has been observed for the first
time in September 2012. In the surroundings, presence of
underground cavities- mainly catacombs- is conversely well
documented by previous studies.
Local authorities were immediately informed of sinkholes
formation, because collapses occurred very close to a
playground located in a highly frequented sector of the garden.
Propagation processes of the phenomena, periodically
monitored since their first observation, significantly fastened
after a period of heavy rainfalls on Rome area in January-
February 2014. Thus, multidisciplinary geophysical
investigations have been started in agreement with Civil
Protection of Rome Municipality, who has taken preliminary
safety measures (installation of fences and danger signals).
Hitherto, 28 sinkholes have been identified, aligned along a
WNW-ESE trending zone, testifying localized collapses of the
roof of underground cavities, probably belonging to the
palaeocristian catacomb systems dug nearby Via Salaria.
Preliminary geophysical prospections have been performed in
a small test area, in order to verify methods applicability and
thus program a systematic survey of the whole garden.
Drillings, and direct exploration of the accessible galleries, will
complete the reconstruction of underground geometry and
conservation state of vaults and pillars. Once completed the
hazard assessment, the planning of urgent works is expected
in order to restore the complete use of the garden.Published25 - 422TR. Ricostruzione e modellazione della struttura crostaleN/A or not JC
