Deformation and strain measurement techniques for the inspection of damage in works of art

Abstract

The engineering techniques used for inspecting structural damage are not widely known in the conservation sector. Techniques are available based on deformation or strain measurement that have the ability to provide quantitative data. This paper reviews currently available techniques, covering point-strain measurements using resistance strain gauges and fibre-optic sensors, as well as full-field optical measurement approaches such as holography, electronic speckle pattern interferometry, photoelastic stress analysis and photogrammetry. The underlying technology of each of the techniques is described for the non-specialist. The relevance of each technique is established from a conservation perspective through accounts of usage. The application of the techniques to a wide range of artwork, including panel paintings, statues, murals and mosaics is described and the results critically reviewed. The paper also provides an insight into possible future applications of the techniques and identifies areas for further investigation.

Mobile depth profiling and sub-surface imaging techniques for historical paintings—A review

“…Further, the so called percussion method has been described, in that the sound emitted by the painting upon a slightly tapping on the surface is interpreted [22,168]. The investigation of cultural heritage objects by NDT has been reviewed a few years ago [20].…”

“…These advanced analytical techniques also find application in the investigation of cultural heritage objects. A number of papers, commonly focusing on a single or small number of similar techniques, have been describing these applications [6,7,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Overviews dealing with established techniques for the analysis of easel paintings have also been published in book chapters [1,26].…”

Santa Maria di Collemaggio Church (L’Aquila, Italy): Historical Reconstruction by Non-Destructive Testing Techniques

“…ESPI has proved to be a very attractive tool, especially for in-situ investigation on frescoes, wooden panels and museum objects (Gülker, 1990), (Boone, 1995), (Paoletti, 1996), (Lucia, 1997), (Schirripa Spagnolo, 2003), (Ambrosini, 2004), (Dulie-Barton, 2005), as well as on different artworks such as mosaics (Schirripa Spagnolo, 1998), canvas (Young, 1999, and terracotta warriors (Gülker, 2001). ESPI can also be used to monitor the artwork conditions over time as well as the effect of sunshine on frescoes (Hinsch, 2007).…”

Quantifying and visualizing change: Strain monitoring of tapestries with digital image correlation

“…A pilot study had concluded that effective strain monitoring of textiles required a combination of a full-field measurement technique with reference sensors, with two techniques identified as particularly promising (Dulieu-Barton et al, 2005). These were firstly, a full-field, strain measurement technique based on 3D photogrammetry, known as digital image correlation (DIC); and secondly, point measurement of strain obtained via optical fibre sensors.…”