Background

The instabilities that affected the historical part of Mesagne (Brindisi province, Apulia) since January 21, 2014, induced the local Authority to issue evacuation decrees for 18 families, corresponding to a total of 26 people. CNR IRPI was asked to provide scientific support for the identification of the processes at the origin of the phenomena.

Purpose

Individuation of the causes of the observed instabilities in the historical part of Mesagne, analysis of the likely evolution, and providing useful elements for the better definition of intervention works.

Methods

Geophysical, geological and geotechnical surveys.

Results

The surveys highlightes the frequent presence of artificial cavities, beside other anomalies related to losses from the water and/or sewer system. In a setting such as that at mesagne, with poorly cemented clay sands overlying mostly loose sands, these situations cause, on the occasion of significant rainfall the removal of the deposits, with consequences at the surface .

Products

Zoation of the areas at higher instabiliy. Critical analysis of the available documentation.

Conclusions

The observed instabilities seem to be due, on the basis of the available documents and surveys, to a number of causes, including losses from the water and/or sewer system, infiltration of rain water in the subsoil, and the presence of a variety of man-made underground caves. The precise location, size and stability conditions of these latter should be specific object of appropriate surveys and studies.