Loredana Matera

Effect of the height of the observation line on the the diffraction curve in GPR prospecting

This paper deals with the shape of the GPR diffraction curve in dependence of the distance of the measurement line from to the air/soil interface. It will be shown that the diffraction curve changes with respect to the case of data gathered at the air-soil interface, and the calculation of the diffraction curve requires the solution of a fourth degree algebraic equation. The solution in closed form of this equation will be presented, and a physical discussion of the effects of the non-null height of the observation line will be provided.

A new reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR system, possibilities and issues; applications to two different Cultural Heritage Resources

Some results achieved from a reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR system will be presented. The aim is to show the possibilities of a reconfigurable architecture for a GPR system within the noninvasive prospecting of the Cultural Heritage. In particular, two sites (indoor and outdoor, respectively) have been chosen, in order to test the system in different situations that pose different problems. The same sites have been prospected also with a commercial pulsed system, in order i) to work out a comparative heuristic analysis and ii) to plan possible future advancements improving the reconfigurable system.

Integrated prospecting in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, Italy

In this paper, we present the results of non-destructive integrated geophysical surveys (ground penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic sonic) performed in the crypt of the Basilica of St Nicholas in Bari, Italy. The aim was twofold, namely to investigate the consistency of restoration work performed in 1950 and the presence of features of archaeological interest. The GPR technique has also been exploited to characterize the subsurface water content under the crypt. In particular, the existence of buried anomalies, probably due to the restoration work, has been identified. Moreover, by means of an electromagnetic-wave velocity analysis, an estimation of the volumetric water content under the floor has been achieved. The results indicate the main causes of the deterioration and have provided significant information for the safeguard of this historical building. Furthermore, the GPR survey allowed us to identify some anomalies buried under the crypt that are probably of archaeological interest. Finally, both sonic tomography and a GPR survey have been performed on an important mosaic, and have enabled us to identify probable ?internal? reasons for its decay.

Integration of multisensor data: an experiment in the archaeological park of Egnazia (Apulia, Southern Italy)

In this paper, we present a case study conducted in the archaeological park of Egnazia (Apulia, Southern Italy) based on the integrated use of two different ground-penetrating radar systems plus a magnetometer. The surveys were carried out using a pulsed ground-penetrating radar system, a prototypal reconfigurable stepped frequency ground-penetrating radar and a high-resolution magnetometer. The most important anomalies identified are ascribable to the presence of a massive building structure mainly consisting of masonry, probably dating from the Roman age. Emphasis is on the integration of the results, which has made it possible to produce enhanced images. In particular, two different approaches based on (i) algebraic and (ii) RGB combinations of the data gathered with the three sensors are illustrated and discussed.

Mitigation of narrowband interferences by means of a reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR system

This paper proposes a new technique for the mitigation of narrowband interferences by making use of an innovative stepped frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system, based on the modulation of the integration time of the harmonic components of the signal. This can allow a good rejection of the interference signal without filtering out part of the band of the useful signal (which would involve a loss of information) and without increasing the power of the transmitted signal (which might saturate the receiver and make illegal the level of transmitted power). The price paid for this is an extension of the time needed in order to perform the measurements. We will show that this necessary drawback can be contained by making use of a prototypal reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR system.

Applications of a reconfigurable stepped frequency GPR in the chapel of the Holy Spirit, Lecce (Italy)

We present the first application in the field of a reconfigurable stepped frequency system. The system has been designed in collaboration between the Institute for Archaeological and Monumental Heritage IBAM-CNR Lecce the Department of. Electronics and Telecommuncations of the University of Florence and the Company Ingegneria dei Sistemi IDS S.p.A., Pisa. We show some results achieved in the chapel of the ex hospital of the Holy Spirit in Lecce and we compare them with the results obtained by using a commercial pulsed GPR system.

Reconfigurability of the integration time in stepped frequency GPR systems

In this paper, we propose some results regarding the possibility to reconfigure the integration time of each harmonic tone of a stepped frequency GPR system in a programmable way. It will be shown that this can allow the rejection of undesired narrow band interferences on the received signal without needing to filter the signal (which can degrade the achievable resolution), and with only a slight increasing of the time required to perform the measure. This is made possible by a reconfigurable system, as it will be shown.

Applications of conventional and non-conventional GPR systems in the Viking remains of Torget

The results of a geophysical survey conducted in the main square of Trondheim (Norway) are presented. Trondheim is one of the oldest major cities with urban settlement dating back to the Viking ages, and below the current square archaeological test excavations have revealed preserved cultural layers; the oldest from the 10th century. We carried out a geophysical survey in the South Eastern quadrant using three different GPR systems: a reconfigurable prototype stepped frequency GPR, a pulsed GSSI GPR system and a 3DRadar stepped frequency device. The selected area represents a natural test site. In fact, the main topic of our geophysical campaign was to recognize, in an urban context, the presence of known archaeological remains and to compare the performances of the prototype device with two traditional GPR devices. Comparable results have been achieved, as it will be shown.

Preventive archaeology: The emblematic case of Ruvo di Puglia, Italy

In this paper the relevance of preventive archaeology is outlined with specific reference to the case history of Ruvo di Puglia, Italy, where the Municipality has put in charge the Institute for Archaeological and Monumental Heritage of a geophysical prospection in four areas where the same municipality had planned the construction of new structures. It will shown how the prospection has identified anomalies of possible relevant archaeological interest.