NDT spatial data integration for monumental buildings: technical information management for the Royal Alcazar of Seville

Abstract

Non-destructive testing (NDT) for the diagnosis of heritage buildings has proved to be one of the most sustainable approaches in the field of preventive conservation. Nevertheless, the comprehensive management of NDT information is complex, often resulting in a poorly optimized use of the data. This contribution aims to propose a method for integrating NDT data in a standardized way into simplified digital information models, produced using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This method is applied to the plasterwork located in the Courtyard of the Maidens, which are elements with an enormous historic-artistic value in the Royal Alcazar of Seville (Spain), a significant UNESCO monument. For this purpose, a multi-scale web GIS-based model has integrated the NDT information from the plasterworks, such as ambient conditions, damage mapping, C-Shore Hardness, Superficial Humidity, Infrared thermography (IRT), Digital Image Processing (DIP) and Ground Penetration Radar (GPR). The combined georeferencing of the data from the various measurements and their simultaneous visualization has enabled the detection of vulnerable areas in the complex. The results are easily accessible for managers, and additionally show the analytical potential of the research approach, thereby allowing a quick diagnosis and hierarchization of tasks.