La conservazione nei siti archeologici colpiti dal sisma del 2009 in Abruzzo

The observation of seismic damages to archaeological sites after the 2009 earthquake in Abruzzo (Italy) has been conducted by the Regional Directorate for Cultural Heritage and by the CNR-ITC of L'Aquila, in order to test a specific form for surveying the seismic damage and the archaeological heritage vulnerability. During the survey activity it has been possible to observe not only the damages caused by the earthquake, but also the conservation status of the sites. A particularly interesting aspect was the opportunity to verify the effects of the former restoration works: the materials used have often proved to be incompatible, both from the mechanical and from the physical-chemical point of view. The use of inadequate materials has intensified the degradation of ancient materials (erosion and salt crystallization) and it has caused a concentration of seismic damages near the restored areas. Those areas with a greater rigidity have almost entirely detached from old parts, causing damage to them. Four years after the earthquake further surveys have been carried out on a few sites that were particularly critical conditions, in order to check the decay evolution. Among these, the amphitheater of Amiternum shows a collection of inappropriate interventions which it is useful to consider in view of future restorations.