Monitoring Of Temperature-Induced Deformations in High Mountain Huts

Global warming is affecting a lot ofhuman activities and has a relevant environmental impact. This is particularly evidentin the Alps, where the recorded temperature increases are larger than average. This trend has direct consequences onthe stability of high mountain slopes, as it provokes the upward receding of permafrost and triggers a series of rockfall events. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the direct cause-effectrelationship for any recorded event, two general facts emerge: failures are becoming more and more frequent, especially during particularly hot summer seasons; failures tend to concentrate within the altitude range affected by permafrost receding.In this paper,we discuss the structuralmonitoring at Capanna Margherita hut (Punta Gnifetti 4554m a.s.l., Monte Rosa massif), which is the highest mountain hut in the Alps and Europe in general. Geomechanicalmonitoring was activated there in 2023 and it is now complemented by the installation of sensors onthe hut structurein 2024. Afull set of data is continuously being recorded, including inclinometric, thermometric and accelerometric data.The paperanalysisis based on the data recorded by thesensors and the air temperature at Capanna Margherita hut, includingthe relationship between the temperatures and displacements, and the dynamic characteristics of structural vibrations.