Building technologies for the mitigation of volcanic risk: Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei Case Studies

The paper intends to show basic strategies and technical solutions that may reduce volcanic risk on buildings and infrastructures. It points out that reduction ‐ mitigation ‐ of vulnerability and expected damage on existing as well as on new buildings is possible. Eruptive phenomena such as earthquakes, pyroclastic flows, ash‐fall and landslides can indeed be considerably reduced by specific intervention on structure and envelope of buildings. Thus, the study adopts a design oriented approach in response to volcanic risk with specific reference to possible eruption of Mount Vesuvius and/or Campi Flegrei, in the Campania Region, Italy. The paper examines responses in relation to conventional construction techniques and building typologies in the area, with respect to eruptive phenomena characterization. The reference scenarios that the study is based upon have been developed by PLINIVS Centre, at the University of Naples “Federico II”. PLINIVS has elaborated a hazard evaluation tool that takes into account the potential impact of eruptions of Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei, also considering the cumulative effects given by different possible volcanic phenomena. On the bases of this sophisticated and dynamic tool, the paper proposes different alternative mitigation options. Technical and economic implications are also considered: performance indicators for the effectiveness of each technical option, parametric unit cost for each solution provided and cost‐benefit evaluation related to specific impact and damage scenarios.