Z E M C H 2 0 1 2 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e
438
Inside the two courtyards there are twenty original columns supporting the galleries.
These columns are made of cast iron and as well as the gallery they also support a roof
which looks very poor as regards and also construction technology.
The foundation of the columns consists of prismatic beds made of stone. The iron shaft
of the column is fastened to them with metal bolts (Fig. 10)
Figure 10: Main stone bed
In order to evaluate the geometry and conditions of the foundations, a set of preliminary
investigations was conducted. This research showed that the foundational building
blocks were leaning on a mixture of stones and lime.
Looking at the foundation slab, studies showed that it was not present, but this fact is
very usual in this type and age of building (Fig 11)
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