Geotechnical and Geophysical investigations for a foundation underpinning solution in a residential building with differential settlements, in Asti Province (central Piedmont), NW Italy

Abstract

Foundation differential settlements are a recurrent topic for antique and no so antique buildings, for this particular case, an integrated approach of geotechnical and geophysical investigation was developed to provide information and support to the engineering design for the restoration of a building.Given the presence of widespread and pervasive wall fractures, compromising the static nature of the building, investigating the nature of the subsoil in depth was a need, in order to identify the roots of this pathologies.In this sense, an integrated approach was adopted, starting from a geophysical investigation, carried out through seismic refraction tests and, subsequently, with specific geotechnical investigations, both with in situ and laboratory mechanical tests. The aim was to develop a rapid evaluation of the geomechanical properties of the soil, to analyze in more detail the possible response of the soil in relation to the applied loads and foundations type.The methodology adopted made possible, not only to identify the causes of the settlements and the consequent damage to the building, but also to identify the characteristics of the soil, giving support for a correct and functional design solution to the structural problem of the building.