An integrated approach to the conservation of the roofing structures in the Pompeian domus

The structural restoration interventions in the archaeological site of Pompeii have been performed since the beginning of excavation in the area. In the last century the old wooden roofs erected in the late 1800s were replaced with concrete structures similar to the old ones, realized after the Second World War. A systematic study of these structures is lacking, despite the number and the significant role they play in the stress state of the ancient masonry. The structural role of these roofing structures in the Pompeii buildings and atriums and in the suburban Villas is examined. Starting from a detailed geometrical and historical analysis of the roof, the impact of the restoration interventions actually present in the archaeological area of Pompeii is analyzed in order to assess the seismic vulnerability of the buildings and the key aspects in case of restoration or maintenance. The paper shows that maintenance of the existing interventions is a fundamental topic and substitution of r.c. roofs with timber structures cannot be justified with structural reasons. As a case study the entire structure of the Domus of the Tragic Poet (masonry walls and concrete roof) is investigated.