Pozzuoli Operational Model: Dynamic Monitoring by Accelerometers of Sample Buildings in Pozzuoli (NA)
The Municipality of Pozzuoli[1] has entrusted the EDILTEST S.r.l. Laboratory[2] with the implementation of a “Pozzuoli Operational Model” for monitoring Sample Buildings to support the management of control and monitoring activities of the built environment in the Municipality, an area subject to slow soil deformation known as bradyseism, with the aim of implementing a procedure for controlling and estimating the evolution of the damage conditions of the built environment to the seismic phenomena associated with bradyseism. The development and implementation of the Operational Model, conducted with the scientific advice of Professor Luigi Petti[3], involves a multi-scalar and multi-level approach that is based on Dynamic Monitoring of Sample Buildings described by Digital Models in the usBIM.geotwin environment. The initial phase involves monitoring the first three buildings with accelerometer networks based on Dewesoft technology[4]. The monitoring, on-demand or triggered (i.e., under seismic conditions), will allow monitoring the evolution of key parameters of dynamic behavior, including principal frequencies of vibration and modal shapes, as well as support and calibrate the construction of Digital Models for the development of Digital Twin.
The acquisition of data on the behavior of existing buildings in operation and under stressing actions-with a focus on seismic events-represents an increasingly topical and strategic opportunity. In-depth knowledge of the structural response of these buildings can be effectively pursued through structural health monitoring (SHM) systems, which are based on the integration of distributed sensor networks, data acquisition and storage systems, infrastructure for the transmission of information – including to remote processing platforms – and advanced software procedures for the analysis, diagnosis and interpretation of measurements[5,6,7].
Regulatory developments, which have introduced fundamental concepts such as rated life, use classes and specific requirements for certain types of works, underscore the importance of continuous and documented knowledge of the “life” of construction. With this in mind, monitoring is an essential tool for detecting over time the static, dynamic and environmental conditions to which the structure is subjected. This is all the more important in complex contexts such as the Phlegraean Area, where a bradyseismic phenomenon has been underway for some time, resulting in continuous seismic resonances.
As clearly evidenced by industry standards and guidelines, the main objectives of monitoring the built environment can allow:
1. Improved knowledge of structural behavior: through direct correlation between acting actions, deformation states, and computational models used in design, it is possible to refine technical predictions and increase the reliability of structural analyses;
2. Early detection of anomalies: continuous monitoring makes it possible to detect early signs of structural degradation, either as a result of cyclical phenomena (e.g., material fatigue) or as a result of exceptional events such as earthquakes, environmental impacts or anthropogenic stresses;
3. Supporting construction management and maintenance: the data obtained provide a solid basis for making informed decisions in construction management, scheduling predictive or extraordinary maintenance interventions more efficiently.
However, in-depth knowledge of structural behavior is also a crucial aspect of reliable safety assessment of existing buildings. In particular, the acquisition of real data through monitoring can make it possible to:
– Reduce uncertainties associated with structural models, which are often based on simplified assumptions or incomplete information about materials, construction details and boundary conditions;
– Directly correlate the acting actions (static, dynamic, environmental loads) with the actual response of the structure (deformations, displacements, accelerations), verifying the adequacy of the design assumptions and analytical models used;
– Recalibrate mechanical parameters through the use of updated models supported by in situ measured data, allowing analyses more consistent with the actual behavior of the structure;
– Assess the residual resistant capacity based on the observed response over time, also considering any modifications, degradations or interventions that have altered the original structural characteristics.
Ultimately, such an approach allows one to move beyond purely theoretical and normative logic, approaching evidence-based performance verification that integrates numerical modeling and experimental measurements. In an area where buildings are subject to repeated cyclic stresses due to bradyseism, the ability to intercept even small variations in structural response is essential to assess the impact of ongoing events on building safety.
In the case of Pozzuoli, the collected data and processed information are made available almost in real time to the municipality through the implantation of a usBIM.geotwin platform. In this way, the increased knowledge, in addition to being a support for the Municipality of Pozzuoli in the management phases of ongoing phenomena, constitutes a continuous information base that can be integrated into asset management systems to:
– Plan predictive maintenance interventions, reducing costs and risks compared to reactive management;
– Prioritize resources according to the actual state of stress and degradation of buildings;
– Document the evolution of structural behavior over time, including in relation to extreme environmental events;
– Support strategic decisions by local authorities regarding evacuations, closures, securing or consolidations, based on objective technical evidence.
The monitoring networks implemented on the Sample Buildings were developed by adopting the Dewesoft platform, an integrated solution for real-time acquisition, analysis and management of structural and environmental data. In particular, robust technologies were chosen, involving the use of calibrated ultra-low noise sensors, typically used in complex industrial environments, with the ability to expand and reconfigure immediately as factual conditions evolve.
The Dewesoft acquisition chain guarantees microsecond data synchronization, ensuring high accuracy of signals generated by all channels. Each unit is, in addition, certified to operate in environments with high electromagnetic disturbance and in contexts where high robustness and reliability is required, making it ideal for critical applications such as the rail, industrial and aerospace sectors, where signal reliability is critical.
The usBIM.geotwin platform has been configured to offer a Data Sharing Environment (ACDat) for the digital management of processed data and information, which allows data and documents to be published and shared in accordance with industry standards. Thus, Digital Twin management is possible, thanks to a technology that is based on dynamic, bidirectional integration between the openBIM® and GIS systems. Specifically, the platform dynamically integrates openBIM® models and processes with maps, scenes, and GIS functions (Esri’s ArcGIS®) to build and manage Geospatial Digital Twins without dimensional limitations. In addition, the system provides a unified environment in which to view individual analysis objects in a detailed geospatial context, integrating the openBIM management platform transparently to GIS, without data import. You can manage IFC/openBIM® models, BIM/3D, point clouds, textured meshes, etc. geolocated and integrated with GIS.
The Pozzuoli Operating Model is designed to enrich GIS with geometric information and data (BIM, IoT, FM, etc.) of buildings and infrastructure for a comprehensive digital representation of the built environment.
References
[1] The City of Pozzuoli, under the leadership of the Mayor, Eng. Luigi Manzoni, formally initiated and promoted the “Pozzuoli Operational Model.” Primary responsibility for the strategic management and executive coordination of this civic initiative has been assigned to the offices headed by Executive Arch. Agostino di Lorenzo, who relies on the professional contribution of a qualified internal team composed of Dr. Maria Cristina Gioia, Dr. Vittoria Scotto Rosato and arch. Nicola Manzo.
[2] The Laboratory EDIL-TEST S.r.l., www.ediltest.it is one of the first Laboratories Authorized by the Ministry of Public Works under Article 20 of Law 1086/71, was established in 1977 and currently has a ministerial concession according to Article 59 of Presidential Decree 380/2001 and authorization according to Circular 633/STC of 03/12/2019. The Laboratory over the years has already provided its services for public works of national interest, Colosseum, Certosa di Padula, Basilica of S. Francesco D’Assisi, Church of S. Anna di Pietrelcina, Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri, Morandi Towers in Messina, Court of L’Aquila, Rio Faldo and Rio Gamberi Viaduct (Autostrade per l’Italia).
[3] Prof. Luigi Petti, lecturer at the University of Salerno https://docenti.unisa.it/004657/home, teaches, among other things, MONITORING AND INSPECTION OF ROAD WORKS OF ART. He is responsible for numerous research activities and/or services for surveillance, monitoring, AUDIT and risk analysis of complex structures and systems, such as SS691, Highway RA02, Highway A3, Naples Ring Road, Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia, Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Palermo Historic Center, West Gate Area Salerno, as well as the analysis of complex structures such as, for example, the DIVERTORE components of the DEMO project (EUROFUSION). Participates in the work of the UNI/CT 021/GL08 working group “Monitoring of structures.” www.lacelab.net
[4] Dewesoft is a company providing measuring and testing instruments whose parent company is located in Slovenia, https://dewesoft.com/it. Design, implementation and testing are carried out directly in the parent company; calibration of systems is carried out by in-house laboratories certified according to ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards. The main fields of application are industrial, automotive, aerospace, acoustic, civil and electrical. Plug-and-play instrumentation offers the possibility of creating complex, yet easy-to-configure analysis systems with high accuracy and precision, and acquisition software can be used for “real time” or post-acquisition data analysis.
[5] Petti, L.; Lupo, C.; De Gaetano, C.M. A “Methodological Framework for Bridge Surveillance”. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 4975. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13084975
[6] Zuchtriegel, G.; Petti, L.; Calvanese, V.; De Gaetano C.M.; Lupo, C.; Spinosa A.; Zambrano, A., “The Pompeii sustainable management model”, e-Journal Pompei, 2024, https://pompeiisites.org/wp-content/uploads/28_E-Journal-The-Pompeii-sustainable-management-model-2.pdf
[7] Petti, L.; Lupo, C.; D’Angelo, T.; Dallocchio, P.; Guizzetti, D., “An Innovative Monitoring Strategy of Ancient Temples made of An Innovative Monitoring Strategy of Ancient Temples made of Rigid-Block Structures”, Sciencedirect Procedia Structural Integrity 64 (2024) 637–644, 2452-3216 © 2024, ELSEVIER