Development of a Low-Cost Airborne Ultrasound Sensor for the Detection of Brick Joints behind a Wall Painting

Non-destructive methods are of great interest for the analysis of cultural heritage. Among the different possible techniques, this paper presents a low cost prototype based on the emission and reception of airborne ultrasound without direct contact with the test specimen. We successfully performed a method test for the detection of brick joints under a XVth century Renaissance fresco of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the city of Valencia (Spain). Both laboratory and in situ results are in agreement. Using this prototype system, an early moisture detection system has been installed in the dome that supports the fresco. The result is encouraging and opens interesting prospects for future research

Application of ultrasound phase-shift analysis to authenticate wooden panel paintings

Artworks are a valuable part of the World s cultural and historical heritage. Conservation and authentication of authorship are important aspects to consider in the protection of cultural patrimony. In this paper we present a novel application of a well-known method based on the phase-shift analysis of an ultrasonic signal, providing an integrated encoding system that enables authentication of the authorship of wooden panel paintings. The method has been evaluated in comparison with optical analysis and shows promising results. The proposed method provides an integrated fingerprint of the artwork, and could be used to enrich the cataloging and protection of artworks. Other advantages that make particularly attractive the proposed technique are its robustness and the use of low-cost sensors.This work was financially supported by the Polytechnic University of Valencia through the Research and Development Program, PAID-06-12. The authors wish to thank the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum for their support and interest shown in this work, Fernando Buchon for his help in obtaining photogrammetric data, Maria Luisa Ros Trinidad for lending the painting for this study and Sebastian Pina Otey for his help in the development of the experimental software.Bravo Plana-Sala, JM.; Sánchez Pérez, JV.; Ferri García, M.; Redondo, J.; Picó Vila, R. (2014). Application of ultrasound phase-shift analysis to authenticate wooden panel paintings. Sensors. 14(5):7992-8002. https://doi.org/10.3390/s140507992S79928002145Our Creative Diversityhttp://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0010/001055/105586e.pdfAmadesi, S., Gori, F., Grella, R., & Guattari, G. (1974). Holographic Methods for Painting Diagnostics. Applied Optics, 13(9), 2009. doi:10.1364/ao.13.002009Collini, L., Garziera, R., & Mangiavacca, F. (2011). Development, experimental validation and tuning of a contact-less technique for the health monitoring of antique frescoes. NDT & E International, 44(2), 152-157. doi:10.1016/j.ndteint.2010.11.008Collini, L., & Garziera, R. (2013). A contact-less diagnosis system for frescoes. Part two: Acoustic excitation–acoustic response. NDT & E International, 56, 76-81. doi:10.1016/j.ndteint.2013.02.006Calicchia, P., Simone, S. D., Marcoberardino, L. D., & Marchal, J. (2012). Near- to far-field characterization of a parametric loudspeaker and its application in non-destructive detection of detachments in panel paintings. Applied Acoustics, 73(12), 1296-1302. doi:10.1016/j.apacoust.2012.06.001Green, R. E. (2004). Non-contact ultrasonic techniques. Ultrasonics, 42(1-9), 9-16. doi:10.1016/j.ultras.2004.01.101Calicchia, P., & Cannelli, G. B. (2002). Revealing surface anomalies in structures by in situ measurement of acoustic energy absorption. Applied Acoustics, 63(1), 43-59. doi:10.1016/s0003-682x(01)00021-4Siddiolo, A. M., D’Acquisto, L., Maeva, A. R., & Maev, R. G. (2007). Wooden panel paintings investigation: An air-coupled ultrasonic imaging approach. IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control, 54(4), 836-846. doi:10.1109/tuffc.2007.317Seco-Martorell, C., López-Domínguez, V., Arauz-Garofalo, G., Redo-Sanchez, A., Palacios, J., & Tejada, J. (2013). Goya’s artwork imaging with Terahertz waves. Optics Express, 21(15), 17800. doi:10.1364/oe.21.017800Nuzzo, L., Calia, A., Liberatore, D., Masini, N., & Rizzo, E. (2010). Integration of ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic tests and infrared thermography for the analysis of a precious medieval rose window. Advances in Geosciences, 24, 69-82. doi:10.5194/adgeo-24-69-2010García-Diego, F.-J., Bravo, J. M., Pérez-Miralles, J., Estrada, H., & Fernández-Navajas, A. (2012). Development of a Low-Cost Airborne Ultrasound Sensor for the Detection of Brick Joints behind a Wall Painting. Sensors, 12(2), 1299-1311. doi:10.3390/s120201299Sistema DavidScanhttp://www.hispanatec.com/index.php?tipo=seccion&id=18Sasaki, K., Nishihira, M., & Imano, K. (2006). Ultra-high distance resolution using phase information of 40 kHz air-coupled ultrasonic wave. Electronics Letters, 42(14), 831. doi:10.1049/el:2006127

Evaluation of new technologies to support asset management of metro systems

Since 1930, London Underground Limited (LUL) has performed visual inspections to understand the condition of the physical assets such as tunnels, bridges and structures. The major problem with this kind of inspection is the lack in quality of the data, as it depends on the ability of the inspector to assess and interpret the condition of the asset both accurately and with repeatability. In addition, data collection is time-consuming and, therefore, costly when the whole of the metro network needs to be regularly inspected and there are limited periods when access is available. The problems associated with access to the infrastructure have increased significantly with the implementation of the night tube and will increase further as the night tube is extended over the next 5 to 10 years. To determine the condition of metro assets and to predict the need for intervention, monitoring the changes in the assets’ condition is key to any further evaluation and maintenance planning. This thesis presents the outcomes of using new technologies such as Thermography, Kinematic and Static Laser Scanning, Close-Range Photogrammetry and Total Station to measure defects, such as water seepage, mortar loss in joints, lining face loss (in brick tunnels), cracks, corrosion, voids, cavities and spalls. Each technique is explored through three case studies that evaluate the performance and limitation in the determination of the asset condition. The first case study was performed to compare and contrast the use of Euroconsult’s high definition laser survey against a Principal Inspection Report to determine the level of consistency in predicting the asset condition. During this case study, reports from laser surveys and principal inspections of brick tunnels and covered ways were compared. This analysis showed that a direct comparison between the two inspections is not appropriate because the laser inspection does not capture all the defects mentioned in the Engineering Standard S1060. It also showed that to close the gap between the laser survey and visual inspection, laser surveys would have to be performed every year in brick tunnels and then compare any changes in asset condition with that from the previous scan. The second case study was performed using Infrared Thermography (IRT) to identify water seepage in the brick tunnels as well as test the system in a configuration that would allow the survey to be done from an engineering train. A set of calibration tests were performed in the lab and later the technique was trialled on an engineering train. The results showed that it is possible to measure the level of moisture on specific parts of the lining and that the comparison of surveys performed at different times can allow asset managers to react before a seepage is established, potentially reducing the risk of system disruption caused by water ingress in tunnels. The data also revealed that this technique could be used for other purposes, such as examining the condition of other assets such as brackets, cable supports and broken light bulbs. The third case study was performed using a Terrestrial Laser Scanner, Close-Range Photogrammetry and Total Station Survey to identify defects in structures. In order to test these technologies, a wing wall, located on the north-east wing of the HC3 underbridge at Ladbroke Grove Station, was chosen. This case study demonstrated that LUL can easily implement this type of technology to inspect rapidly their buildings and structures, being able to identify defects and monitor their assets for translation, rotation and changes in shape during changes in loading or the decay of the structure (insidious decline) and the construction of nearby assets. In this research, a large volume of data was captured, and further work is needed in order to manage the data using ‘big data’ concepts. Although it may not be possible to fully understand the insidious decline of an asset, the use of these techniques allows us to better understand how a civil asset behaves, potentially reducing the amount of reactive maintenance to a minimum, consequently reducing service costs and falls in revenue due to disruptions in the system. To successfully analyse the data from new technologies a combination of skills is required and different or retrained personal will be needed

Research Advances for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Because European Cultural Heritage is an invaluable legacy, the Ministry for Science and Innovation funded the Spanish Network on Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage (TechnoHeritage), which began its activities in March 2011.Currently seventy five groups participate in the Network, including Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Spanish universities teams, cultural institutions, foundations and museums, and private companies. One of the activities of the Network is the organization of annual meetings. This International Congress—organised on behalf of TechnoHeritage by the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela— has a goal of creating an interdisciplinary forum for discussion on all aspects of cultural heritage conservation while providing an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art investigations in this field

Pinturas murales de la casa de Ariadna (Pompeya, Italia): un estudio multidisciplinar de su estado actual enfocado a una futura restauración y conservación preventiva

[EN] This paper deals with the development of a multidisciplinary study on the current state of conservation of Ariadne’s house (Pompeii, Italy), a domus of great archaeological value. The aim of this study is to undertake the preventive conservation actions required and increase the knowledge about its conservation and to generate discussions and points of view for a future restoration. Environmental studies, electromagnetic radiation measurements, study of materials and a photographical study were carried out. Those studies revealed that the rooftops covering the analyzed rooms resulting in adverse weather conditions causing grave damage to the conservation of the wall paintings. Thus, between 2009-2010 the rooftops were changed and new environmental studies were conducted. Studies of materials showed that the paintings match in execution and composition with those reported by other authors. The salts from modern mortars from previous restorations were affecting frescoes, also it is described a thin grayish surface layer from environmental contaminants.[ES] Este trabajo desarrolla un estudio multidisciplinar sobre el actual estado de conservación de la casa de Ariadna (Pompeya, Italia), domus de gran valor arqueológico. El objetivo es aumentar el conocimiento del estado actual de conservación de la casa para la discusión de una futura restauración. Para ello se realizaron estudios ambientales, mediciones de radiación electromagnética, estudio de materiales y un estudio fotográfico. Los estudios revelaron que los tejados que cubrían las salas analizadas estaban originando unas condiciones climatológicas adversas que se traducían en un grave daño para la conservación de las pinturas murales. Entre 2009-2010 se cambiaron las cubiertas y los estudios ambientales fueron repetidos. Los estudios de materiales demostraron que las pinturas coinciden en ejecución y composición con las señaladas por otros autores. Las sales procedentes de morteros modernos de anteriores restauraciones afectaban a las pinturas, también se describe una fina capa superficial de tonalidad grisácea procedente de contaminantes ambientales.This work was partially supported by the Spanish "Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion" under projects HAR2010-21944-C02-01 and HAR2010-21944-C02-02. The authors are grateful to J. Minguez for his English grammar corrections.Pérez García, MDC.; García Diego, FJ.; Merello Giménez, P.; D'antoni, P.; Fernández Navajas, A.; Ribera I Lacomba, A.; Ferrazza, L.... (2013). Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) wall paintings: A multidisciplinary study of its present state focused on a future restoration and preventive conservation. Materiales de Construcción. 63(311):449-467. https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2012.00812S4494676331

Wood Science for Conservation of Cultural Heritage – Braga 2008

COST Action IE0601 "Wood Science for Conservation of Cultural Heritage" (www.woodculther.org) aims to improve the conservation of European wooden cultural heritage objects, by fostering research and interaction between researchers in various fields of wood science, conservators of wooden artworks, scientists from related fields. These proceedings contain the papers presented in the 2nd International Conference held in Braga (Portugal) 5-7/11/2008, dealing with themes such as material properties, biological degradation, characterization and measurement techniques, conservation, structures. This conference was patronized by the European Society for Wood Mechanics (ESWM), an informal body promoting wood mechanics in Europe by regular organisation of meetings through running COST Actions

A History of Materials and Technologies Development

The purpose of the book is to provide the students with the text that presents an introductory knowledge about the development of materials and technologies and includes the most commonly available information on human development. The idea of the publication has been generated referring to the materials taken from the organic and non-organic evolution of nature. The suggested texts might be found a purposeful tool for the University students proceeding with studying engineering due to the fact that all subjects in this particular field more or less have to cover the history and development of the studied object. It is expected that studying different materials and technologies will help the students with a better understanding of driving forces, positive and negative consequences of technological development, etc

The Second Joint NASA/FAA/DOD Conference on Aging Aircraft

The purpose of the Conference was to bring together world leaders in aviation safety research, aircraft design and manufacturing, fleet operation and aviation maintenance to disseminate information on current practices and advanced technologies that will assure the continued airworthiness of the aging aircraft in the military and commercial fleets. The Conference included reviews of current industry practices, assessments of future technology requirements, and status of aviation safety research. The Conference provided an opportunity for interactions among the key personnel in the research and technology development community, the original equipment manufacturers, commercial airline operators, military fleet operators, aviation maintenance, and aircraft certification and regulatory authorities. Conference participation was unrestricted and open to the international aviation community