PSI - Issue 78

Vincenzo Calvanese et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1134–1142

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settlements were founded. The excavations of the second half of the eighteenth century altered that agricultural landscape as the diggers deposited large quantities of spoil in mounds that in a few decades had completely transformed the southern frontage of the Insula Meridionalis. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the spoil heap from the 1852 to 1898 excavations of the Temple of Venus covered the ash layers of the eruption for metres, completely modifying the surrounding landscape. The excavations of 1937 and the vast excavations of the forties and fifties almost completely uncovered the southern face of the Insula, transforming its appearance giving the opportunity to interpret it. The preservation of the structures and decorative elements found at archaeological sites necessitates the adoption of targeted strategies, meticulously tailored to the specific context. Archaeology is not merely the study of the past; it is also the linchpin for its conservation. A profound archaeological understanding, underpinned by diagnostic investigations, is paramount for designing conservation interventions that are both effective and respectful of archaeological heritage, reference by Lorenzoni et al. (2019) The essential first step in any conservation strategy is a thorough comprehension of the historical context, the original construction techniques, the materials employed, and the alterations a given artefact or structure has undergone over time. This understanding is meticulously pieced together through archaeological study, which aims to reconstruct the sequence of events, identify periods of use, and pinpoint modifications sustained over the centuries. Grasping the stratigraphy of a site or object allows us to differentiate between original elements and subsequent additions, thereby preventing restorative actions that might erase significant historical evidence. Furthermore, rigorous research conducted in archives, libraries, and historical sources, reference by Gambilongo et al. (2024) can unveil crucial details about construction methods, past uses, and previous conservation efforts, providing a comprehensive picture of the asset. A deep knowledge of the materials themselves offers critical insights into ancient technologies, cultural interactions, and past environmental conditions, all data that profoundly influence conservation choices. Finally, comparing the site or artefact with analogous examples can illuminate its significance and function, suggesting the most appropriate approaches to conservation. A lack of this comprehensive knowledge can unfortunately lead to arbitrary interventions that compromise the authenticity of the asset, undermine its integrity, and distort its historical narrative, reference by Mariani (2014), Mariani and Pugi (2023). Diagnostic testing further deepens our understanding by revealing the internal composition and state of preservation of the materials. These investigations, which are either non-invasive or minimally invasive, yield objective or quantifiable data. Such data are indispensable for identifying original materials versus previous restoration materials, accurately assessing the current state of conservation, and comprehending the mechanisms of degradation at play. Diagnostic survey data directly influence the selection of the most suitable methodologies and materials for consolidating structures and decorative features. They also enable predictions regarding the efficacy of treatments and help to minimize risks to the asset. For instance, testing the mechanical resistance of materials can determine whether consolidation is necessary and which product would be most appropriate. The same diagnostic techniques can then be employed to monitor the effectiveness of the conservation over time, verifying material stability, the absence of new alterations, and the ongoing compatibility of the intervention with the asset. Ultimately, the synergy of archaeological knowledge and diagnostic testing forms the scientific and methodological basis for the conservation of our cultural heritage. This integrated approach ensures that the irreplaceable traces of the past are meticulously preserved and remain comprehensible for future generations. 2. The methodological approach The morphological and historical complexity of the settlement provides clear evidence of the construction techniques employed during the Roman era, overlaid with recent restoration interventions that have used cement and metal reinforcements. The complexity of the system, encompassing architectural and landscape elements, as well as geological, archaeological, and intangible components, makes the safeguarding and restoration of ancient structures particularly challenging. This task includes the 'de-restoration' of modern reinforced concrete structures that have