Non-invasive analyses of a multi-stratified archaeological and historical site: the Crypta Balbi case-study

Abstract A number of non-invasive techniques were used to study the state conservation an important archaeological site in centre Rome, Crypta Balbi (part Museo Nazionale Romano), so-called after proconsul Lucio Cornelio Balbo, who year 13 BC built here a theatre Campus Martius [1]. Excavations are still ongoing, so new relevant findings could be discovered. At same time, this involves that each finding must conserved and preserved. To aim, extensive monitoring campaigns essential. The reconstructions Figure 1 2 show structure monument during II century (imperial age) after, until 15th 3 shows studied as it is today. (a kind courtyard) located within red dotted circles. Today close tramway city centre, induces air pollution vibrations potentially putting at risk unique site. In order its various layers, have been used. Among them: infrared cameras for thermographic analysis, velocimeters evaluate impact vibrations, microclimatic parameters acquisition, kinematic digital video elaboration by motion magnification method. Substantially, campaign was based on non-contact investigations eliminate any danger damage elements monument, which provided useful insights. Thermal images captured using Flir T440 thermal camera. Microclimatic data weather stations collected correlation experimental ambient vibration NDTs data. particular, temperature humidity monitored two MSR145 mini loggers. Seismographs type SL06 SARA Instruments recorders equipped with SS02 triaxial monitoring. Each seismograph independent battery energy supply GPS antenna synchronization, from different instruments can compared time domain. instrumentation very accurate, fact sensitivity 400 V/m/s frequency range 0.2 50 Hz, sampling set 200 Hz. Data acquired 10:00 a.m. 12:00 Motion Magnification (MM) recently developed processing methodology [2, 6, 5]. MM [2 - 6] acts like microscope videos, magnifying motions hardly visible naked eye, but leaving unchanged topology images.