Integrated assessment of monumental structures through ambient vibrations and ND tests: The case of Rialto Bridge

This research demonstrates an integrated non-invasive assessment method of monumental structures based on dynamic monitoring through ambient vibrations as well as non destructive and microdestructive testing. The investigation involves the analysis of a very complex and extraordinary case study, i.e., the Rialto Bridge in Venice. Dynamic monitoring based on natural vibration sources as inputs from pedestrian traffic, wind and the waves of the Canal Grande – was exploited by dynamic identification process to determine damping coefficient, frequency and modal shapes. The non-destructive and microdestructive tests included sonic and georadar methods and the extraction of very small samples of masonry for destructive tests in laboratory. The experimental investigation on the whole was conceived to avoid any type of invasive action on the prestigious monument. The aim of this research is to propose a new integrated protocol potentially suitable and generalizable for the assessment of monumental structures. The new features in the combined method include two types of results – qualitative and quantitative types – through a flow chart to explain the methodology and generalize the different phases of the approach for historical constructions.