#CambiaCanale

Proponent: Francesca Matrone

The #CambiaCanale project has as its case study the Cavour canal, a hydraulic engineering work (1863-1866) to regularize the water supply and integrate the hydrogeological system of the Vercelli, Novara and Lomellina areas. In particular, the analyses will focus on the Cavour “bridge-canal” over the Dora Baltea, the first (1854) and largest in Italy. Despite a restoration intervention in 1998, a phenomenon of structural undermining, as well as water infiltrations, which could contribute to the detachment of part of the structure, is occurring.

Precisely for this reason, and due to the growing risks due to climate change, it is essential to define an innovative and ad hoc methodology for the 3D survey and monitoring of this structure, which can be adapted to other hydraulic infrastructures on the national scale. The survey will be carried out with traditional topographic techniques integrated with more innovative ones, such as drones, 360° cameras, Mobile Mapping Systems from boats, hyperspectral images and continuous monitoring sensors. Artificial intelligence algorithms will be tested on part of the acquired data to recognise cracks and forms of alteration and decay automatically. The data will then flow into a single HBIM (Historic Building Information Modelling) model, allowing the simultaneous management of the various infrastructure information. The output thus defined will be able to support planned maintenance and future restoration interventions.

The project will be in collaboration with the “Ovest Sesia Irrigation Association” and will involve some DIATI students and staff with field activities and visits to the canal structures.