Non-destructive Techniques Methodologies for the Detection of Ancient Structures under Heritage Buildings

Abstract

Non-destructive techniques methodologies for the detection of ancient structures under heritage buildingsStructures and elements buried beneath heritage buildings are frequent but are often unknown and inaccessible. Therefore, they are difficult to locate in general if an archaeological excavation is not carried out, with the economic cost and time involved. It is important to discover them in order to increase our knowledge of cultural heritage, as well as to know, recover and improve the state of conservation of the materials that make up these structures. This paper presents methodologies for locating old structures using a low-cost NDT approach, with a qualitative and quantitative analysis of GPR profiles in heritage buildings. Small perforations are performed at critical points and introducing an endoscope for verification. Various crypts have been located using the proposed methodologies in a real study case: The Church of the Asución of Llíria in Spain.

Evaluation of Hygrothermal Behaviour in Heritage Buildings through Sensors, CFD Modelling and IRT

“…Knowing climatic parameters inside buildings and the response of construction materials helps to have a better understanding of reality. The development of non-destructive tests (NDT) are widely used [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ], since they provide information on real cases and allow analysis and diagnosis [ 7 ], as well as a monitoring tool of the work’s progress and the assessment of materials and rehabilitation interventions [ 8 ]. The goal is preventive conservation while minimizing damage [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Elastic Properties Estimation of Masonry Walls through the Propagation of Elastic Waves: An Experimental Investigation

“…Considering the displacements independent of y and using the expressions in (7), the equations of motion can be reduced to…”

“…Working on historical structures, and in particular on architectural heritage, however, it must be considered that the material characterization process requires the use of specific non-destructive techniques (NDT) in order to avoid possible damages. For this reason, in the last decades different approaches were developed to increase the mechanical and physical knowledge of the structures and the constituent materials [4][5][6][7]. Moreover, it must be considered that historical constructions are mainly made from masonry, a complex heterogeneous material whose mechanical behavior is strongly dependent on the properties of the mortars and blocks and by their arrangement.…”

Wall Mosaics: A Review of On-Site Non-Invasive Methods, Application Challenges and New Frontiers for Their Study and Preservation

“…The final (bedding) layer of mortar could contain additives as linseed oil and adhesive substances to ensure the slowing down of mortar setting while often not regularly placing the tesserae. The tesserae were predominantly made of glass-paste, containing metal oxides, or a gold leaf, extensively used for gilded backgrounds, halos, and details of religious scenes in the churches [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Ancient wall mosaics have been often restored and/or reshuffled over the centuries without documentation of these interventions.…”

“…can be traced back to the ancient Orient using wall coverings made by clay cones, different both in size and thickness from the traditional wall mosaics [1]. The extensive use of the most known small tesserae, as a decoration of walls, columns, pillars, ceilings, and vaults, is documented over the centuries, particularly in Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], in numerous examples of buildings, which are part of the world cultural heritage. In general, the mosaics located on walls, domes, and vaults are more difficult to study (due to their position, geometric and surface features etc.…”