Effect on the Structure in Elevation of Wood Deterioration on Small-Pile Foundation: Numerical Analyses

Wooden pile foundations are quite common in Venice historical building. Very short, small diameter piles are embedded into the soft shallowest soil layer under the groundwater level, but wood degradation is not prevented as anaerobic bacteria can flourish even in anoxic condition. The present study couples the behaviour of the masonry structure and the foundation as result of pile degradation. The numerical analyses, relative to the ancient piling, consider wood decay and secondary settlement of soil. The effect of deterioration as a function of the pile spacing and the possible presence of a stiff layer under pile tips is also investigated. The geotechnical results are then used as input of the structural model. The behaviour of the masonry as result of different state of wood conservation along the wall is studied numerically.