Three-Dimensional Modeling and Non-Invasive Diagnosis of a Huge and Complex Heritage Building: The Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia (Udine, Italy)

Abstract

Three-dimensional modeling and non-invasive diagnosis are fundamental prerequisites for planning reliable assessments of the seismic vulnerability, renovation and conservation of heritage buildings. In the case of multi-layered, huge and complex ancient constructions, various problems can be encountered in the early design phases of interventions, among which there is often a lack of an adequate building documentation. Such issues include drawings that are without a metric scale, not detailed, not updated or not reflecting the real situation. In addition, the fragility of these constructions requires an accurate census of every sign of deterioration in order to prepare an ad hoc intervention for the site. As an example, in this paper, the results of a survey regarding the Patriarchal Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (Aquileia, Italy) are reported. The basilica has a rich history of about two thousand years. in which each era has marked the actual architectural layout with its own culture and art. The result is an intricate association of complementary and/or interdependent elements that make the building very complex. Given the need to obtain accurate documentation, a realistic representation and a simulation of the criticalities of the structure, which previously did not exist or were not sufficiently accurate, a multi-methodological and multi-scale diagnosis was performed. In detail, the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technique was applied to verify the presence of structures still buried under some internal surfaces, and a topographic survey, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and structure for motion (SfM) aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry were integrated for the detailed survey of the entire internal and external macro-structure. The resulting outcome provided the comprehensive information needed for preparing projects for the preservation, management and restoration of the basilica and the buildings connected to it.

Condition Assessment of Heritage Buildings via Photogrammetry: A Scoping Review from the Perspective of Decision Makers

“…In the case of multispectral imaging, as presented in Section 3.3.1, a direct comparison is enabled between CRP surface colorimetric/metric data and TIR, NIR and/or UV surface data, which might be useful to assess the position and quantitative extent of non-visible anomalies, such as material inhomogeneity [129,130,134], energy losses [131], cracks and mechanical damage [132,136], moist areas [133,135] and weathering patterns [53,60]. Differently, in the case of multisensory data collection, as reported in Section 3.3.2, an indirect comparison is enabled between CRP surface colorimetric/metric data and measurements of constructional discontinuities and pathologies across the components; this comparison is detected as variations in radar reflection from underground structures [143][144][145]147,148]; moist areas [142,146]; or variations in ultrasonic velocities in walls [148,150,151], columns [92,152,153] and pillars [154]. In a few applications, the employment of CRP models to accurately set up onsite tests and equipment is also documented [155][156][157].…”

“…This correlation is also a result of the work by Chiabrando et al [143], where GPR was used to detect the presence of underground structures around a masonry tower in North-West Italy through superimposition of radar profiles and horizontal orthoimages. Similarly, within a comprehensive investigation of a basilica in North-East Italy [144], the integrated visualization and analysis of GPR and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) relating to the mosaics led to hypothesizing about the presence of buried structures belonging to the oldest construction phases under the investigated floors.…”

Integrated Building Modelling Using Geomatics and GPR Techniques for Cultural Heritage Preservation: A Case Study of the Charles V Pavilion in Seville (Spain)

“…Integrating these technologies goes beyond preservation; it opens avenues for the dissemination of cultural heritage [ 28 , 29 ]. Three-dimensional models offer immersive experiences for the public, allowing virtual exploration of every nook and cranny of the pavilion.…”

Detecting and Evaluating Displacement of Paving Blocks Adjacent to Deep Excavation Sites Using Terrestrial Photogrammetry

“…In close-range terrestrial photography, the size of the object and the camera-to-object distance are both less than 100 m [4]. Several papers related to close-range photogrammetry have been dedicated to various application fields such as industrial engineering [5], cultural heritage documentation [6,7,8,9,10], and geomorphology [11,12,13,14,15]. Close-range terrestrial digital photogrammetry is widely applied in rock mass discontinuity characterization [16].…”