Pietro Meriggi, Antonio Napolitano, Alessio Pasquali, Luca Bianchini Ciampoli
From scan to H-BIM: towards an automated workflow for cultural heritage vulnerability assessment

Originally designed for new buildings, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is increasingly being adapted to existing constructions with a focus on the ‘as-built’. Heritage-BIM (H-BIM) addresses the complex reality of historic structures, characterised by irregular geometries, morphological defects, crack patterns and different materials, as well as fragmented documentation. However, there is a lack of standards and tools tailored for heritage conservation to equip H-BIM models with the typical characteristics of historic structures, exploiting the advantages of BIM in building heritage management. In this context, this study proposes a workflow to semi-automatically transform digital surveys into H-BIM models, enriched with detailed attributes - including structural defects and deterioration indicators - to support vulnerability assessment. With a focus on the conservation status of the monument, the final H-BIM output integrates the results of the vulnerability analysis, providing a comprehensive platform for heritage conservation and restoration planning, while improving data interoperability and decision-making in cultural heritage management. The methodology is applied to the case study of the Roman Arch of San Damiano, in the archaeological Park of Carsulae (Italy), for validation purposes.

Nagmeldeen Morshed Hamza, Islam Shaheen
From Italy to the UAE: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Studying Islamic and Arabic Manuscripts on European Papers

The research enhancing the use of digital technology, imaging techniques in studying, documenting, archiving, digitizing, and preserving manuscripts collection. The evaluation and improvement for the study of manuscripts by integrating both classical methods of codicological research and advanced digital technologies, introducing new approaches to collection preservation and examination. The manuscripts contained significant watermarks giving more information about different European papermills especially Italian papermills and addressing the challenge of writing Islamic texts on European paper containing watermarks in the shape of Christian symbols; this was important because cultural heritage often serves as a bridge for dialogue. The research explores the changes in manuscript paper design and the role of Arabic and Islamic culture in the changes in the manufacture of European papers. The study approach on RAK manuscript texts and papers encompasses not only the physical attributes of the manuscripts but also their socio-cultural significance. The results offer examination of paper characterization, manufacturing techniques, and previous interventions. This evidence deduces what might be considered the most significant characteristics of Italian papers. The developed non-destructive characterization methodology applied to Islamic and Arabic manuscripts expands the database with the material properties of papers of known age and provenance and thus better understands geographic and temporal distributions of papermaking practices in Italy. The importance of manuscripts as significant sources for rediscovering and analyzing the Muslim written cultural heritage.

Fulvia Gennari, Andrea Campostrini, Agnese Babini, Raffaella Lamuraglia, Giancarlo Ruocco, Valeria Giliberti, Arianna Traviglia, Michele Ortolani
Preliminary Tests of Millimetric Crack Detection in Ancient Wall Paintings using a Terahertz Radar

This work investigates the use of a terahertz radar system for the non-invasive diagnosis of wall paintings at the archaeological site of Pompeii. The imaging system is a frequency-modulated continuous-wave radar with a 27 GHz bandwidth centered at 0.3 THz (wavelength ≈ 1 mm), equipped with a pair of Teflon lenses in a confocal configuration and mounted on a robotic arm for XYZ micromovements. Initial tests targeted visible defects such as cracks and detached paint flakes in order to evaluate system performance. By imaging at multiple focal depths, the radar detected not only surface fractures but also possible subsurface extensions and secondary cracks. Also, THz imaging revealed mold and salt efflorescence with millimeter scale resolution. Although 0.3 THz images do not provide material-specific fingerprints, they clearly reveal dielectric contrasts associated with structural anomalies. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of THz technology for cultural heritage diagnostics and conservation.

Nicole de Manincor, Sara Mazzocato, Dumitru Scutelnic, Claudia Daffara
2D and 3D optical techniques for manuscript analysis: diagnostics based on data integration

Nothing like an ancient manuscript, passed from hand to hand over the centuries, better represents the legacy of history. Researchers are called to advance the techniques that allow the interpretation of this ancient heritage. This work sets out the methodology for performing comprehensive data analysis through the integration of 2D and 3D optical techniques. The approach involves the use of traditional UV-VIS-NIR imaging, combined with SWIR imaging, and the recent Thermal Quasi-Reflectography technique. In addition to examining the spectral signature, the investigation also employs a microsurface perspective, i.e., the imaging is integrated with surface topography.

Luca Alessandri, Valerio Baiocchi, Marta Baumgartner, Diego Blanco, Alessandro Bosman, Andrea Guaglianone, Felicia Vatore
Underground Surveying of the Porticus Minucia as a Basis for the Georeferencing of a Fragment of the Marble Plan of Rome (Forma Urbis marmorea)

This study presents the results of a high-precision subterranean survey of the remains of the Porticus Minucia in Rome, conducted using advanced GNSS techniques and total station measurements. The collected data enabled accurately mapping the structure’s foundations and alignment within the modern urban context. Crucially, this new dataset has made it possible to confidently georeference a previously unplaced fragment of the Forma Urbis Marmorea, the Severan marble plan of ancient Rome. By aligning architectural features visible on the fragment with the surveyed remains of the Porticus Minucia, we demonstrate a method for integrating archaeological fieldwork with historical cartographic reconstruction. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our understanding of the Forma Urbis but also contributes to the broader effort of reconstructing the topography of ancient Rome.