Instrumental geophysical diagnose: Help to historical monuments reconstruction works

Abstract

The necessity of knowing the underground state of historical monuments subject to damage demanded the use of some rapid geophysical methods (electrometric, magnetometric and GPR) in archaeological fields and geotechnical studies. An image of the ground structure can be presented and thus the rehabilitation study can be led by applying the geoelectric method of the non-destructive research to the foundation ground of the historical monuments. Therefore, an optimal choice of the electrosounding array is required, the measures being connected to the structural parameter of the building (columns, long curtains, changes of the foundation depth). The resistivity pseudosections by electrosoundings, correlated both with the land survey, the monument sections and the lithological column from geotechnical drillings, emphasize a series of geoelectric effects of the natural or anthropic damaging causes on the geophysical image. Three case studies of historical monuments illustrate the results of geoelectric investigations and the conclusive rehabilitation measures.