The dynamic behaviour of the mammoth in the Spanish fortress, L’Aquila, Italy

Abstract

The fossil remains of a “Mammuthus Meridionalis” were found the 25th of march 1954 in a lime quarry close to the city of L’Aquila. The Mammoth skeleton was soon “reconstructed” on a forged iron frame, and it was located in one of the main halls of the Spanish fortress in L’Aquila. A comprehensive restoration was recently completed (2013-2015), also considering the study of the adequacy of the supporting frame, which demonstrated to survive the relevant 2009 l’Aquila earthquake. After a laser-scanner survey, allowing to build a very detailed Finite Element model, Operational Modal Analysis was employed in order to obtain the dynamic identification of the structure. Results of the experimental activities explained the capacity of the structure to bear the 2009 main shock, since the natural frequencies demonstrated to be quite reduced. The structure acted as a “natural” seismic device, avoiding to reach its Ultimate Limit State however paying the toll of relevant displacements. The seismic motion caused several cracks at the edge of the bones, indicating the non-fulfilment of the ALS (damage Limit State of Artistic contents). A proposal for seismic isolation and redesign of the supporting frame was then discussed. The paper illustrates the scientific activities assisting the restoration intervention, entailing a multidisciplinary approach, in the fields of restoration, palaeontology and seismic engineering.