Hydrogeological and Seismic Risk Mitigation Interventions. Interplay with the Existing Buildings and the Territory

Abstract

Hydrogeological instability is so widespread in Italy as to be an issue of as great importance as earthquakes. Frequent occurrences of hydrogeological instability have often caused loss of lives and extensive damage to properties. Despite the presence of regulations imposing to draw the boundaries of the areas at risk (Plans for Hydrogeological Asset – PAI), it is clear that today the knowledge of the dangers of the various areas is underestimated by both citizens and technicians, who do not seize the precious opportunity to reduce the risks concerning possessions and often their lives. This situation raises the clear need to start an educational process that follows multiple strategies, up to the start of a virtuous path that could have the dual aim of reducing the vulnerability of buildings and helping to stimulate the economy in the construction sector. These paths are akin to the prevention against seismic risk: in both cases we find aspects that are not adequately investigated and are moreover addressed mainly in impromptu ways, such as the interplay between integration interventions with the existing buildings and the territory. These lead to some reflections concerning the conservation of the cultural heritage, of existing buildings and of the landscape.