Non-Destructive Testing Techniques Applied for Diagnostic Investigation: Syracuse Cathedral in Sicily, Italy

Abstract

The long-term research experience of the authors has highlighted the importance of gaining knowledge of the building through experimental investigation. Recently the authors intensively studied the Syracuse Cathedral (Sicily, Italy) to evaluate the structural state of the preservation of the pillars. The Cathedral of Syracuse was built in different phases on an ancient Greek temple from the fifth century bc and modified throughout later centuries. The pillars of the central nave, obtained by cutting the temple cell walls, show a complex situation of damage and repairs. An investigation program (including radar, sonic, and ultrasonic tests, for example) has been recently planned, aimed to design the preservation and restoration actions. An accurate geometric survey of the surface problems and defects allowed the localization of the most damaged area, suggesting the need for further control by non-destructive testing (NDT). The results obtained from this survey were compared with the results of the other type of tests, and the elaborated data will be used to implement an analytical model for the study of the seismic vulnerability. The preliminary results of the experimental investigation carried out by the authors are presented in this article.

KEY WORDS:

• masonry
• diagnosis
• NDT&E
• radar test
• thermovision

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors wish to thank L. Cantini, P. Condoleo, M. Cucchi, and D.N. Khanh for their contribution in the experimental work in-situ and the students N. Giovannini, M. Marangio, A. Pavesi, and M. Mariotti. Special thanks for their collaboration goes to the Arch. M. Muti, to the Eng. R. Meloni and to the Arch. L. Regalbuto of the Cultural Heritage Syracuse Superintendence. Radar investigations were performed with a high-frequency antenna kindly provided by IDS S.p.A. The experimental research was supported by the Soprintendenza ai Beni culturali ed Ambientali of Syracuse (Cultural Heritage Syracuse Superintendence).

Notes

Ordinanza del Presidente de Consiglio (OPCM). 2005. [in Italian] Official Bulletin, n. 3431, May 3, 2005. Official Bulletin n.107, 2005.