Geophysical and thermographic investigations addressed to the study of~the church of “S. Maria del Rosario” in Sicily (Italy)

Donatella BARILARO; Domenico MAJOLINO; Stefano GRESTA; Sebastiano IMPOSA; Alessandro SCHILLACI; Antonio LEONE

Donatella BARILARO University of Messina, C. da Papardo, s. ta Sperone, 31–98166 Messina, Italy
Domenico MAJOLINO University of Messina, C. da Papardo, s. ta Sperone, 31–98166 Messina, Italy
Stefano GRESTA University of Catania, C. so Italia, 55–95129 Catania, Italy
Sebastiano IMPOSA University of Catania, C. so Italia, 55–95129 Catania, Italy
Alessandro SCHILLACI University of Catania, C. so Italia, 55–95129 Catania, Italy
Antonio LEONE Assessorato Regionale LL.PP., Dip. LL.PP.Uff. Genio Civile di Catania, Via Lago di Nicito, 89–95100 Catania, Italy

Keywords: Ground Penetrating Radar, infrared thermo-graphic analysis, crypt, wall texture, Sicily

Abstract

This paper is aimed at detecting the presence of crypts and/or buried structures within the church of S. Maria del Rosario, located in Motta S. Anastasia village (Catania, Sicily, Italy), by using the non-destructive Ground Penetrating Radar (G.P.R.) investigations. Furthermore, infrared thermo-graphic analyses have also been carried out to individuate unhomogeneousities in the building structure and to collect information regarding the component elements, their shape, their physical characteristics and their state of decay. The obtained results point to textural differences in the walls and some water infiltrations. Finally, in-situ drillings on the church's walls were performed to obtain information about the building material and their state of degradation. Thanks to these analyses an accurate repair work can be carried out on the building.

Author Biographies

Donatella BARILARO, University of Messina, C. da Papardo, s. ta Sperone, 31–98166 Messina, Italy

Dipartimento di Fisica

Domenico MAJOLINO, University of Messina, C. da Papardo, s. ta Sperone, 31–98166 Messina, Italy

Dipartimento di Fisica

Stefano GRESTA, University of Catania, C. so Italia, 55–95129 Catania, Italy

Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche

Sebastiano IMPOSA, University of Catania, C. so Italia, 55–95129 Catania, Italy

Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche

Alessandro SCHILLACI, University of Catania, C. so Italia, 55–95129 Catania, Italy

Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche