Characterization, documentation and virtualization of the cultural masonry heritage using wave propagation Non-Destructive Techniques

DocumeNDT aims at developing improved characterization, documentation and dissemination strategies for the architectural and archaeological masonry heritage, by offering a new approach to evaluate, record and present buildings and archaeological ruins.

The project proposes to develop an improved methodology for the in situ non-destructive evaluation of the masonry built heritage, based on wave propagation Non-Destructive Techniques (NDT), namely sonic, ultrasonic and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) tomography.

Tomographic techniques allow visualizing and documenting the interior of masonry construction elements, typically hidden to our naked eye.

In combination with existing state-of-the-art technologies developed for the accurate visual 3D reconstruction of our monuments, such as photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning, this information can provide a precise characterization of the exterior and interior morphology of the masonry element.

The project ultimately aims to offer a complete 3D reconstruction of monuments.The complete 3D reconstruction of both the exterior surfaces and interior of masonry heritage and archaeological ruins has three fundamental purposes: (i) material mechanical characterization of historical masonry by obtaining specific correlations among elastic properties, geometry (internal and external), and wave propagation attributes, acknowledging that the velocity of waves propagating through a material is related to its physical and mechanical properties; (ii) documentation of the cultural heritage with full 3D digital models with unique information on the construction know-how of ancient builders, reconstructing the monuments on an almost stone-by-stone basis; and (iii) virtualization of the cultural heritage by implementing the digital models into a web open access virtual repository freely available to enhance accessibility to cultural heritage for all, both the general and specialized public.