Roman Aqueduct Flow Estimation Using Geomatic Measurement

The aqueducts built by the ancient Romans are among most impressive evidence of their engineering skills. water inside was transported for kilometers, exploiting only slight but constant differences in altitude throughout route. To keep height constant, could proceed underground or aboveground on well-known arched structures that supported lead, ceramic stone pipes. In order to reconstruct characteristics these structures, it is necessary carry out an accurate survey orthometric heights, and therefore suitable technology geometric levelling. this case, however, not applicable, here we propose alternative methodology. final goal work estimate flow some sectors preserved area south city Rome. This has two main purposes: first rate historical studies; second check how much heights have changed over centuries, movements from a geophysical geodynamic point view. latter analysis will be developed following phase research. For purpose, high-precision geomatic carried under study, partly retracing already 1917 whose purpose methodologies known. been affected gradual subsidence including since 1917. observed sections showed average inclinations, slightly lower than 2 per thousand reported literature similar aqueducts. measurements allowed specific estimated more accurately, both as they were originally presence deposits accumulated during years use reconstruction initial geometry later used reference deformations deformed themselves.