Seismic amplification effect in the ancient town of Pompeii

This paper focuses on local seismic site effects in the Insula dei Casti Amanti of the ancient town of Pompeii, also referred to as Regio IX-12. A detailed subsoil investigation is available in proximity of the Insula, as part of a geotechnical study carried out in 2002. This is very uncommon, due to increasingly severe restraints from the Archeologic Park of Pompeii. Ground motions recorded on outcropping rock from the European Strong Motion Database, compatible with the spectrum specified by the code for the life-safety limit state criteria, were used for 2-dimensional wave propagation analyses from the roof of the Lava bedrock, characterised by a significant morphological depression. Soil non-linearity was accounted for by the classical equivalent approach. Comparisons with 1-D analyses were also performed to quantify topographic effect. This study allowed also to quantity the amount of seismic demand in the artificial slopes, the new roofing systems and the archeological ruins.