Damage mitigation by innovative materials for Temple C at Selinunte

Abstract Greek temples are made of overlapped heavy stone blocks shaped to form columns and entablatures. Preservation of these constructions requires specific structural engineering effort. Present conditions of remains basically reflect centuries of loads and environmental actions, but also undesired effects of former restorations. The latter, if not properly designed, may affect the value and life expectation of these monuments. In the present paper, a novel interpretation of the jacketing technique for temporary interventions and the application to the Greek Temple C of the Selinunte’s (Sicily) archaeological site are presented. Purpose of jacketing is to avoid worsening of the crack pattern by light confinement of stone blocks. Titanium belts and elastomeric neoprene pads are combined to attain the above-mentioned performances. Simplified design model is proposed and a 3D finite elements analysis is performed to evaluate local effects of jacketing; finally information about in situ application are given.