Geotechnical studies to optimize the protection measures against flooding of St. Mark square (Venice, IT)

The famous St. Mark square, located on an island characterized by the lowest gap between ground and sea level, is currently flooded during high tide, even though the MOSE barrier system is operative. To design cost-effective interventions to safeguard this historical heritage, a understanding of flooding mechanisms and the relationship between groundwater pressure and tidal oscillations was necessary. This paper presents the results of a recent monitoring campaign carried out at St. Mark square as well as a discussion on the selected interventions to protect the square against flooding.