GPR Applications for NDT Investigations on the Cultural Heritage Monumental Buildings of Florence (Italy)

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) emerges as a highly effective non-destructive testing (NDT) tool for assessing the structural integrity and seismic vulnerability of Florence's UNESCO-listed monumental buildings. This study demonstrates that GPR, combined with micro-drill hole inspections and sonic/ultrasonic tests, can accurately define masonry structures and consistency without historical documentation, addressing critical gaps in conservation efforts. Key findings highlight GPR's performance in evaluating the static and dynamic behavior of iconic sites like Palazzo Vecchio, Brunelleschi's Cupola, Giotto's Bell-Tower, and San Giovanni Baptistery, while emphasizing the need for age-specific masonry knowledge to interpret data correctly. The research underscores GPR's potential as a cornerstone for seismic vulnerability assessments in cultural heritage conservation, aligning with Italy's 2011 guidelines on integrity and authenticity.

Massimo Coli, Tessa Donigaglia, Paolo Papeschi, Francesco Boscagli, Beatrice Agostini, & Giorgio Caselli. (2019). GPR Applications for NDT Investigations on the Cultural Heritage Monumental Buildings of Florence (Italy). Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.17265/1934-7359/2019.07.002