Protection of the Cultural Heritage from Underground Metro Vibration and Ground-Borne Noise in Athens Centre: The Case of the Kerameikos Archaeological Museum and Gazi Cultural Centre

Abstract

This paper describes the assessment, implementation and verification of the necessary mitigation measures for the protection of the Hellenic cultural heritage of the Kerameikos Museum and archaeological area and the Gazi Cultural Centre in Athens centre from vibration and ground-borne noise during the operation of underground Metro line 3 (Monastiraki to Egaleo). The aim of this article is to present a state-of-the-art assessment and evaluation, through an extended measured program, of the behavior of the implemented mitigation measures in each sensitive archaeological artifacts in the area along the extension alignment. In order to reach this objective, the relevant Athens Metro line section was divided into homogeneous sections (i.e., sections along which the tunnel and soil types, depth and distance from nearby buildings, and presence or not of a switch were considered as constant). Particular emphasis was placed on sections in direct contact with the most important archaeological artifacts, such as the museum and other relevant cultural uses. Data from the relevant prediction model were evaluated on the basis of a complete measurement campaign during Metro operation in the area. The implemented fully floating slab solution, according to the measurement results during Athens Metro operation, recorded levels of ground-borne noise and vibration well within the severe criteria imposed for the Kerameikos area and Museum (as well as for the Gazi Cultural Centre and radio station), both at soil surface locations and on marble statues and various artifacts on glass shelves in the Museum.