Background
Among the most recent sinkhole events, registered in Apulia region, that occurred in Via Firenze at Gallipoli on March 29, 2007, greatly raised the attention by public opinion, having affected (likely, without causing any fatalities) the built-up areas of one of the largest towns in Salento. The event pointed out to the need to carry out detailed studies on the sinkholes related to artificial cavities.
Purpose
Main goal of the activity was to collect and analyse data regarding the geological-structural properties of the discontinuity systems of the calcarenite rock mass where the underground quarries of Via Firenze were excavated, as a first step to increase the knowledge on the area, and to move toward design of the most appropriate stabilization works.
Methods
The methods consisted of a detailed geological and structural survey of the discontinuity systems in the calcarenite rock mass, followed by the related elaboration through dedicated charts and diagrams. This, combined with the direct survey of all the undergound spaces, allowed to identify the different types of instability, their distribution, and the sectors with higher susceptibility to future failures.
