Analysis of hypogea environments based on ambient vibration data: application to a case study on the Palatine hill

We analyzed ambient vibration data, to rapidly identify the seismic response of an hypogea environment. The study area, is located on the Palatine hill and it is part of the Domus Tiberiana, originally built by Nero emperor. The underground cavities threaten the preservation of this important cultural asset. We used different techniques, including Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR), Power Spectral density (PSD) and Cross-Power Spectral Density (CPSD) analyses of the signals. The results demonstrated that noise measurements may be very effective for a rapid screening of cultural heritage sites and contribute to their seismic protection, by allowing for detailed identification of spatial variation of ground motions. Data was acquired in the framework of the CALIGOLA project, funded by the Lazio Region and the Italian Ministry for Research for the Technological District for new technologies.