The assessment of possible effects on built environment resulting from tunnelling operations for the micrometropolitana of Florence

Protecting and maintaining the urban heritage against the impact of underground construction has become an essential part of the design process. The case study of the ‘feasibility project of the micrometropolitana of Florence’ is presented. Both empirical and numerical methods have been used to achieve an appropriate estimation of excavation induced effects and the relative risk of damage to the structures. Particular emphasis is put on masonry building response to tunnelling. The advantages and limitations of both methods are discussed and the results are compared.