Water leaks as a hidden risk to cultural heritage sites: application of the TEAMWIRE project and the geophysical challenges |
|---|
| Chiara Torre, Sebastiano D’Amico, Emanuele Colica, Julian Mamo, Lara De Giorgi, Dora Francesca Barbolla, Giovanni Leucci |
- Abstract:
- One of the most critical threats to the preservation and conservation of archaeological heritage is the persistent presence of moisture within archaeological sites. Humidity, often caused by rising damp or hidden water leaks, contributes to material deterioration, structural instability, and the loss of valuable archaeological and architectural information. This issue becomes even more pressing when an archeological site is located near or above modern water and sewer pipelines. Preventive strategies aimed at mitigating this risk can significantly enhance the long-term in situ preservation of heritage sites. This paper presents the potential application of the TEAMWIRE project, which adopts an integrated geophysical approach to detect underground water and sewer leaks through the combined use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR), and GPS systems. This methodology is not only aimed at increasing the sustainability of water infrastructure, but also has significant potential in the context of cultural heritage conservation.
- Download:
- IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-053.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc26-2025.053
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC26
- Event name:
- TC26 MetroArcheo Conference 2025
- Title:
Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Place:
- Bergamo, ITALY
- Time:
- 15 October 2025 - 17 October 2025