Investigations on some Villa Adriana’s vault systems using three dimensional digital survey

Abstract: This is a presentation of a case study led on some Villa Adriana’s Pavilions, in order to put in evidence the geometrical models and the construction systems applied in roman vaults The goal of research is the comprehension of relationship between the theoretical model and the real shape of build structures. The study is based on the three dimensional laser scanner survey executed in Villa Adriana during last four years by the “Dipartimento di Progettazione dell’Architettura di Firenze”. The data acquired with those digital surveys are now converted into three dimensional polygonal surfaces. This process allows characterizing the features of the structures regardless of their position. The software applications allow converting polygonal surfaces into surfaces characterized by boundary controlled by mathematical functions. The verification of the position and the level of deviation between the data acquired and the typical theoretical model of roman vaults geometry, this process permits to investigate the aspects linked to the original project and to the processes of the building. The research is still under development, but permitted us yet to put in evidence a close relationship between the geometrical architectural features and the masonry techniques and the carpentry ystems.