Showing papers by "Cesare Comina published in 2023"
TL;DR: In this article , a workflow based on the application of a recently published linear wavelength-depth transformation (WD transform) is evaluated in order to directly derive both engineering bedrock depth (h) and time-weighted average shear wave velocity till that depth (VS,h) from surface waves dispersion and HVSR curves, avoiding the formal solution of the inverse problem.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors present some experiences and preliminary results of geophysical characterization of two Tritons statues, discovered in the garden of the Royal Palace of Venaria (Piedmont Region, Italy).
Abstract: In recent years, geophysical applications have been significantly grown in rock mechanics field due to their versatility and reliability as diagnostic and/or monitoring tools. Since these methodologies are mainly non-invasive, they can be used for the investigation and characterization of the internal structure of historical artworks or for the monitoring of built cultural heritage, where the non-destructive feature is an indispensable prerequisite. Commonly, the artworks material properties are unknown or strongly altered due to time and physical/chemical agents. Moreover, their nature (mineralogic and petrographic) and origin (in terms of places where the material was exploited) is uncertain and difficult to allocate. Among the available geophysical techniques, seismic methods are useful for detecting the thickness or position of weathered layers, for estimating the physical properties of different materials and for providing information about cracking and degree of fracturing. In this paper, we present some experiences and preliminary results of geophysical characterization of two Tritons statues, discovered in the garden of the Royal Palace of Venaria (Piedmont Region, Italy). The statues were originally part of the Fountain of Hercules, destroyed in the 18th century during the redevelopment works of the Palace. Ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements were performed on each portion of the statues and 3D-imaging of the apparent P-wave velocity were carried out. The performed geophysical investigations were aimed at defining the overall material quality and detecting possible sectors with low resistance properties that might interfere with the coring operations, necessary for the reassembly of the statues. Results of these surveys were also useful for setting up a 3D-FEM model for simulating the material behaviour through an analysis of the forces and loads involved.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigated the morphology and genetical mechanism of a sinkhole which occurred in 2019 in Murisengo (NW Italy), which is representative of several subsidence phenomena that often concern the Monferrato area (Italy).
Abstract: The present research investigates the morphology and genetical mechanism of a sinkhole which occurred in 2019 in Murisengo (NW Italy). This landform is representative of several subsidence phenomena that often concern the Monferrato area (NW Italy). In concomitance with the appearance of the sinkhole at the surface, a cone of detrital material was found in the drifts of a nearby underground quarry. A geological survey was performed in the underground quarry in order to understand the interaction between the geological and geostructural features of the rock body and the generation of the sinkhole. Moreover, the underground sinkhole morphology was investigated through electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys performed at the surface. The ERT outputs were combined to obtain a 3D image of the phenomenon and the 3D reconstruction was then compared with the geomorphological and structural setting of the area. Results suggest that a viscoplastic flow of clay‐rich sediments within a conduit in the gypsum bedrock (suffusion process) generated the sinkhole.
TL;DR: The influence of the fine content on the cyclic resistance has been widely studied and the importance of the determination of this parameter from different geotechnical tests has been underlined for liquefaction assessments as mentioned in this paper .