A reverse engineering analysis of iron finds from the Roman Age in Valle Camonica (Italy)

Abstract

Two iron objects, found during the excavation of a rural settlement in Ono San Pietro (Valle Camonica – Italy), dating back to the I-IV century CE, were interpreted as parts of a wagon wheel. A reverse engineering procedure was followed to support this hypothesis. The objects were digitalised by laser-scanning technique, to obtain virtual models that could be easily analysed and measured. Comparing the shape and the size of the objects with those of other finds of the Roman Age, the hypothesis that they were parts of a wheel appeared the most likely. In particular, one could be the external ring mounted at the hub ends; the other one could be a bushing to be mounted in the internal hub cavity to prevent wear of the wooden parts. Starting from the size of the finds, a possible wheel to which they could belong was reconstructed, taking as reference the proportions of some Roman wheels found elsewhere. Subsequently, the whole axle was reconstructed following the same concept. The load capacity of the axle was determined by means of Finite Element analyses, which revealed it was suitable for heavy load transportation. These results contributed to depict the scenario of the discovered settlement, which appeared in continuity with the pre-Roman indigenous culture.