This technical report documents a geotechnical investigation campaign carried out along the Pianton watercourse in Mogliano Veneto (Veneto, Italy) within the framework of the NATALIE Project, which aims to enhance climate resilience through transformative Nature-based Solutions (NBS). The survey included three continuous-core boreholes (S1-S3) reaching depths of 4 m and the collection of six undisturbed soil samples for laboratory analysis. Investigations focused on determining the geological and geotechnical properties of riverbank soils through grain-size distribution analysis, Atterberg limits, natural water content measurements, bulk density determination, sedimentation analysis, direct shear tests, and consolidated-undrained triaxial compression tests. Results describe the stratigraphy and mechanical behaviour of predominantly silty, clayey, and sandy deposits affecting bank stability. The report provides essential baseline information for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of climate adaptation and river corridor restoration measures within the NATALIE Project.
Geotechnical Survey and Laboratory Characterization of Pianton Watercourse Banks, Mogliano Veneto (Italy)
Description
The report presents the results of a geotechnical investigation undertaken along the Pianton watercourse in the municipality of Mogliano Veneto, Veneto Region, northeastern Italy. The study was commissioned by the Consorzio di Bonifica Acque Risorgive and conducted within the NATALIE Project, a European initiative focused on accelerating and integrating transformative Nature-based Solutions to improve climate resilience across diverse biogeographical regions. The surveyed area consists of low-lying alluvial terrain situated between approximately 2 and 6 meters above sea level.
To support future resilience and restoration interventions, three continuous-core boreholes (S1, S2, and S3) were drilled to a depth of 4 metres along the banks of the Pianton stream. Undisturbed soil samples were collected for detailed laboratory assessment. The investigations aimed to characterize local subsurface conditions, define stratigraphic profiles, and determine engineering properties relevant to watercourse management, bank stabilization, and nature-based interventions.
The methodology combined field geognostic surveys with comprehensive laboratory testing. Analyses included grain-size distribution, Atterberg limits, water content, bulk density measurements, sedimentation testing of fine fractions, direct shear testing, and consolidated-undrained triaxial compression testing. These methods enabled the assessment of soil texture, consistency, plasticity, shear strength, cohesion, friction angle, and deformation characteristics across different riverbank deposits.
Results indicate a heterogeneous sequence of silty clays, sandy silts, fine sands, and locally gravelly deposits with varying moisture content and mechanical resistance. Soil classifications reveal dominance of silt- and clay-rich materials, with localized sandy horizons and evidence of root systems, organic matter, and carbonate concretions. The generated geotechnical parameters provide critical baseline information for evaluating riverbank stability, hydrological interactions, and the suitability of future restoration and adaptation measures.