Toward digital twins: the case of the Palmavera Nuraghe (Alghero) for a structural vulnerability assessment

Roberto Busonera, Ilaria Trivelloni, Mustafa Erden Yildizdag, Emilio Barchiesi

«Archeologia e Calcolatori» 2026, 37.1, 91-110; doi: 10.19282/ac.37.1.2026.05

Abstract

Starting from the archaeological and architectural analysis of the Nuraghe Palmavera, located near Alghero in northwestern Sardinia, this study presents a preliminary investigation into the application of digital twin methodologies and computational modelling for predictive structural analysis and risk assessment. The focus is placed on one of the towers within the nuragic complex, selected as a representative case for testing the integration of digital tools with archaeological data. The research explores the potential of mechanical digital twins to simulate structural behaviour over time, assess vulnerability to environmental and anthropogenic stressors, and support conservation strategies based on objective, data-driven insight.

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