Dynamic Finite Element Modelling (DFEM) procedure for cultural heritage: Displacement-based reconstruction of the dynamical behaviour of the Roman bridge over the Savuto River

Authors

  • Fabrizio Barone University of Salerno, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8069-8490
  • Armando Di Maio Studio di Architettura Di Maio, Napoli, Italy
  • Salvatore Antonio Fornaro Studio di Architettura Fornaro, Sapri, Italy
  • Marco Casazza University of Salerno, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7579-3231

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v15i3.2386

Keywords:

Dynamic Finite Element Modelling, cultural heritage, vibroacoustic monitoring, displacement-based sensing, Roman bridge, digital twin, Roman archaeology

Abstract

This study presents a metrological approach for investigating cultural heritage structures through Dynamic Finite Element Modelling (DFEM) procedure and displacement-based vibroacoustic monitoring. The Roman bridge over the Savuto River, Calabria, Italy, built in the 2nd century BC along the Via Popilia, is analysed as a case study. Broadband mechanical seismometers were deployed to measure linear and angular displacements under ambient excitation, allowing modal frequencies, thermal deformation cycles, and local dynamic anomalies to be identified. The comparison between measured responses and numerical predictions showed good agreement for the main vibration modes, while persistent low-frequency discrepancies indicated that the visible geometry alone does not fully describe the structural system. These results support the hypothesis of an additional concealed substructure beneath the riverbed, and reveal asymmetric behaviour associated with twentieth-century restoration interventions. The study shows how high-sensitivity measurements can strengthen digital modelling by transforming dynamic response into metrological evidence for structural diagnosis and heritage interpretation.

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Published

2026-09-29

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Fabrizio Barone, Armando Di Maio, Salvatore Antonio Fornaro, Marco Casazza

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