Archeoseismic study of damage in Roman and Medieval structures in the center of Cologne, Germany
Klaus‐G. Hinzen|Stephan Schreiber|Claus Fleischer|Sharon K. Reamer|Isabel Wiosna
The causes of damage observed in archeological records or preserved monuments are often difficult to be determined unequivocally, particularly when the possibility secondary earthquake exists. Such has been previously proposed for Roman Praetorium, governor’s palace center Cologne. Ongoing excavations since 2007 revealed additional damage. existing ground that uncovered and documented extends affected area 175 × 180 m. We present a comprehensive virtual model excavation based on 200 3D laserscans together with systematic analysis patterns an improved terrain during Roman/Medieval times including geotechnical parameters subsurface. Five locations different patterns, sewer, octagonal central part section strongly inclined massive walls, 13 m deep deformed well, collapsed hypocaust, damages Medieval mikveh analyzed detail. use site-specific synthetic strong motion seismograms test earthquake-induced failures as cause This subsurface is also used hydraulically-induced by seepage erosion fine-grained material from stray sand. Heavy rainstorms can induce direct stream surface water through fine sand layers table. Simulated assumed worst-case scenarios do not provoke slope instability at level necessary explain structural damages.
Journal of Seismology