Geotechnical Characterization of the Subsoil at the “Regina Montis Regalis” Basilica in Vicoforte, Italy

The Italian historical built environment is vulnerable to several geo-hazards which can compromise its integrity. Therefore, its sustainable preservation and the improvement of its resilience are of utmost importance and need to be carefully investigated. In the framework of the GIANO research project, an in-depth investigation is underway on the “Regina Montis Regalis” Basilica of Vicoforte (CN). The construction of the Basilica, which hosts the world’s largest oval masonry dome, began in 1596 and lasted for more than 130 years. Structural problems developed since the initial stages of its construction (around 1599). The Basilica of Vicoforte has been extensively studied over the last 40 years. However, previous studies have been focusing on the structural behavior of the Basilica alone, with little attention to its interaction with the soil. This contribution aims at presenting the main subsoil model properties determined by reviewing the results of laboratory and field tests performed during three geotechnical and geophysical campaigns carried out at the site since 1976. In fact, an accurate knowledge of the subsoil properties and a proper understanding of its complex behavior are essential to conduct advanced numerical analyses which consider both the soil behavior and the structural response of the Basilica.