crollata

Crollata is a term in Italian used to describe a collapse or sudden failure, particularly of rock, earth, or man-made structures. It derives from the verb crollare, to collapse, and appears in geological, engineering, and architectural writing to denote events that involve abrupt downward movement or loss of support. In Italian-language texts, the term generally covers both natural phenomena such as rockfalls and landslides and the structural failure of buildings, bridges, or tunnels.

Natural crollate include processes in geomorphology such as rockfalls, landslides, and other rapid downslope movements. In engineering contexts, crollata refers to the sudden collapse of a structure caused by factors like structural deficiencies, overload, material degradation, or seismic shaking. Some sources distinguish between instantaneous failures and slower, progressive collapses, but the common feature is the abrupt detachment and downward movement of mass.

Causes vary by category but share common drivers: weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, erosion, rainfall or snow loading, earthquakes, poor design or construction, and lack of maintenance. Mitigation emphasizes monitoring of slopes and structural integrity, proper design and construction practices, drainage management, and controlled stabilization measures such as retaining structures or arch support where appropriate.

Notable uses of the term are found in Italian historical records, engineering reports, and geomorphological surveys describing sudden failures in natural or built environments. See also landslide, rockfall, structural failure, subsidence.