Author(s)

G. Calabresi & M. Fattorini

Abstract

Safety assessment of the foundations of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome G. Calabresi & M. Fattorini University of Rome "La Sapienza': Italy Abstract The construction of Massenzio's Basilica was begun in 306 A.D. by Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius (278-312) and was ended in 313 by Costantine. Originally it covered an area of almost 6000 m2 and was composed by three naves; two of them collapsed, probably after an earthquake, in the very early middle age. Today we can see only one of the naves composed by three big arches, 25 meters high and 20 meters wide, running for 80 meters parallel to the present day Via dei Fori Imperiali. The behaviour of the soil has a determinant role on the present condition of the Basilica, which resulted from various morphological modifications from the construction time to the last century. Thus a deep knowledge of the nature of the foundation soil and of its mechanical behaviour are elements of primary importance for understanding the static conditions of the

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