Geotechnical-structural engineering for the preservation of Ninfeo Ponari in Roman Casinum

The Ninfeo Ponari is the unhearted part of a domus built around the first century BC in the Roman city of Casinum on the lower slope of the Monte Cassino. Within a bigger archaeological complex present in this area the nymphaeum witnesses the historical-cultural rel evance of this territory during the Roman age. Thus recovery, preservation and opening to public are considered a priority by local and national institutions. The structural integrity is threatened by the weight of debris fallen along the slope, that have totally overlaid the building. Different competences are involved to detect the composition and mechanical properties of the structural elements, monitor the geometrical-structural layout, investigate the subsoil conditions. A three dimensional Finite Elements Model has been implemented, it serves to assess the present stability conditions and future recovery actions through the simulation of the soil-structure interaction. The analysis has required reconstructing the monument history through the interpretation of artifacts combined with the knowledge brought by archaeologists of the ancient construction techniques. The paper presents an overview of the ongoing activities, summarizes the temporary conclusion and pave the way for the remediation strategy.