In the width of the walls, in the depth of the soil - research project LAYERS (results from first sensitivity tests)

Abstract

LAYERS project proposes to explore, using geophysical methods, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), in the thickness of the walls and in the soil depth around buildings of heritage interest, the layers in which the history of constructive and decorative elements, such as azulejos, may be resolved. In this paper, the results of some GPR sensitivity tests are presented. These tests were performed at Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) campus and at Museu do Azulejo, on walls covered with azulejo, ceramic pieces, clay bricks and clay tiles, and on floors covered by stone slabs, to evaluate the ability of GPR to distinguish the different types of wall and floor coverings in historic buildings.