Integrated Geophysical Surveys for the Characterization of a Cultural Heritage Building and Its Subsoil: The “Palazzo Centrale” University of Catania (Italy)
Aug 2026· The Heritage· Vol 9, pp. 338· 0 citations· 57 references
Abstract
This study presents a multi-methodological approach combining subsurface characterization with dynamic structural assessment to evaluate Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI) mechanisms at the Palazzo Centrale. The 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and active Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) results were compared with a lithostratigraphic core log to outline the subsurface framework. The stratigraphic framework mapped geotechnical heterogeneities within the upper 6.0 m, where a low-resistivity anomaly (≤1 log(Ω·m)) outlines a mechanically weakened, water-saturated cover deposit overlaying the basaltic lava. This characterization provides the physical baseline useful for interpreting the site response. In this framework, the ambient vibration recordings performed at the free-field sites exhibit a flat Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) response within the 1.0–10.0 Hz range, whereas a localized stratigraphic peak emerges at higher frequencies near 15.0 Hz, particularly evident in the building’s courtyard. The building resonance frequency peaks, derived from the Horizontal-to-Horizontal Spectral Ratio (HHSR) analysis at 3.74 ± 0.09 Hz (NS) and 3.58 ± 0.22 Hz (EW), do not overlap with the site resonance frequencies, demonstrating a dynamic decoupling between the soil and the building within the low-to-medium frequency domain. Conversely, the secondary stratigraphic peak near 15.0 Hz overlaps with higher-order structural frequencies tracked in the HHSR datasets. Given the localized nature of this stratigraphic peak and the involvement of higher-order structural modes, this overlap suggests a limited, localized high-frequency amplification confined to specific architectural components, rather than a global site-structure hazard. Furthermore, torsional analysis reveals significant effects within the 3.8–4.0 Hz frequency band, targeting the North-East corner (peak value of 2.85 at station A4), indicating a localized dynamic anomaly due to structural heterogeneities. Overall, this multi-method approach proves highly effective for non-invasive structural diagnostics, establishing a rigorous physical reference that could be successfully integrated into future preventive conservation frameworks and routine monitoring protocols for ancient architectural heritage.
This research represents a detailed Litho-stratigraphic characterization of Precambrian basement complex by integrating geophysical log and drilling data of GDH-76 from technical reports of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB). It is a re-evaluation of a Borehole data by interpreting drilling parameter and interval-averaged geophysical log data. A high-resolution petro-physical “fingerprint” of the Northwestern Bangladesh basement complex is identified by integrated cross-plot analysis. This study delineates a six subsurface zones by correlated Rate of Penetration (ROP), Percentage of Core Recovery, Magnetic Susceptibility, Gamma-Resistivity signatures. The Result shows a distinct 6 meter weathered transition zone (200-206 m) characterized by low core recovery (45%) and moderate ROP (1.02 m/hr). The basement entry at 206 m is marked by moderate to high (0.46 to 1.1 m/hr) in ROP and moderate resistivity (72.5 ohm-m) indicating weathered condition. Notable feature include a 15-meter thick magnetic anomaly zone (295-310 m), identified with a peak susceptibility of 1130 cgs unit, suggesting a mineralization zone. Moreover, a high-gamma unit (318-336 m) exhibiting a value of 375 cps (peak value) with extremely low ROP (0.132 m/hr) indicates a high strength potassium-rich felsic lithology. Furthermore, the research also pinpointed the F39 fault boundary between two boreholes.
Nazmun Nahar, Mst Monira, M. Reza et al.· Earth Sciences· 0 citations
An integrated geoarchaeological investigation was carried out at the site of the former San Savino Abbey in Jesi (central Italy, Marche region), combining ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey with eight full-core geoarchaeological boreholes. The primary objectives were to document the spatial layout of the buried church, reconstruct the stratigraphic sequence of the site, and establish its chronological framework. GPR time slices and three-dimensional amplitude models identified at least two main phases of architectural development: the uppermost phase corresponds to a three-nave Romanesque- Gothic basilica (ca. 40×19 m) with a rectangular apse, confirmed both by surface observations and geophysical data; a deeper phase is indicated by a rounded apse form and possible transverse walls within the nave, tentatively attributed to an earlier medieval building. Geoarchaeological coring revealed three main stratigraphic horizons: an upper destruction-sepulchral horizon associated with the Romanesque-Gothic church and later use as a burial ground (radiocarbon-dated to 1474–1638 AD); a middle, chronologically complex horizon containing redeposited Roman-period ceramics and charcoal dated to 153 BC–79 AD (94.6% probability); and a lower horizon of natural fluvial substrate. The geomorphological analysis indicates that the site was established on a slightly elevated colluvial-alluvial surface within the Esino River floodplain, a position offering relative protection from flooding. The results demonstrate the high potential of combining non-invasive geophysical methods with minimally invasive coring for the investigation of buried architectural heritage.
F. Welc, Matteo Tadolti, Michelle Mariani et al.· Studia Quaternaria· 0 citations
Vlora bay (Albania) hosts the 134.98 m long wreck of the Hospital Ship “Po” (sunk in 1941), located within the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area. This study investigates the interactions between this anthropogenic structure and the surrounding marine environment through a multidisciplinary observational approach. Resting at 33–37 m depth on a gently inclined shelf, the wreck provides a hard substrate that supports benthic colonization. High-resolution geophysical surveys (MBES, SSS) and Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry, integrated with biological and sedimentological censuses, were used to develop two preliminary quantitative metrics: the Geometric-Geomorphological Wreck Effect Index (IGEOM) and the Ecological Hotspot Value Index (IECO). Geomorphological observations reveal a 2.1 m deep upstream scour hollow and a 45 m downstream depositional tail. Sedimentological data indicate a local granulometric gradient, with fine silt-clay fractions (< 63 μm) found near the wreck, contrasting with a medium sand baseline (350 μm). These features are consistent with deposition under regional sediment-supply conditions influenced by the Vjosa River (from NW), though direct sediment-source attribution requires further investigation. Ecologically, the site exhibits high benthic diversity (H' = 2.91) and structural complexity. Findings include the presence of the non-indigenous
Pterois miles
, evidence of Ommastrephidae spawning and a sighting of the critically endangered
Monachus monachus
, generating the hypothesis that the wreck may occasionally function as a local feeding area. The proposed indices (IGEOM and IECO) offer preliminary, site-specific descriptors summarizing observational data, with potential applicability to future monitoring and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) frameworks, pending multi-site validation.
Simone Modugno, Rachele Castro, Igli Pustina et al.· Frontiers in Ocean Sustainab...· 0 citations
Abstract A geothermal potential assessment was conducted in the Suban Curup–Rejang Lebong Hot Spring Area, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. This study aimed to identify subsurface geological structures—faults, volcanic features, and sedimentary layering—that may control the development of geothermal reservoirs and caprock units. Two complementary geophysical approaches were integrated: (1) Three-dimensional (3-D) inversion modeling of Bouguer gravity anomalies derived from Global Gravity Model plus (GGMplus) 2013 and corrected using SRTM2gravity at 1,937 measurement points, and (2) microtremor acquisition at 106 sites with 60-minute recording duration, processed using the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method. The residual gravity inversion results reveal density contrasts of 2.40–3.40 g/cm3 and sediment thicknesses exceeding 80 m, interpreted as potential geothermal reservoir units. These findings are consistent with the HVSR results, which show moderate to high amplification (A0 = 3–9) and natural frequencies of 1–10 Hz, indicating porous and fractured formations favorable for fluid storage. Overall, the integration of satellite gravity and microtremor data highlights the presence of thick sedimentary deposits and structurally controlled pathways, suggestive of promising geothermal reservoir targets in the Suban Curup area.
P. K. Putri, Ahmad Fauzi Pohan, A. M. Lubis et al.· Civil and Environmental Engi...· 0 citations
This study reconstructs and compares two major mid-20th-century geological maps of the tectonically complex Zabadani
area (at a 1:50,000 scale) to assess their spatial and lithologic consistency. Modern GIS workflows allow for scanning,
georeferencing, digitizing, and harmonizing using a unique historical sheet legend by Louis Dubertret and Vladimir
Ponikarov. The results of the overlay analysis show that spatial differences accounting for about 20% of the study area
are located along the fuzzy boundaries between the Lower Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic sequences. While Dubertret’s
regional chronostratigraphic continuity, Ponikarov’s structural approach captures much more lithomechanical detail
and fault density. To address these inconsistencies, we applied zonal statistics on NASA’s EMIT Level 2B mineral-fraction
products (60 m resolution). Both maps show the regional carbonate platform. EMIT images show a diverse mineral
landscape at the subpixel scale, including halloysite, Clinochlore, hectorite, muscovite, and dickite. This hyperspectral
fingerprinting confirms Ponikarov’s more detailed stratigraphic subdivisions in a direct way. This integrated workflow
ultimately demonstrates that combining legacy cartography with advanced imaging spectroscopy effectively isolates
real ground-level mineralogical variations from cartographic artifacts, providing an empirical roadmap for future field
verification.
Jean Albert Doumit· Journal of Oil and Gas Resea...· 0 citations
Local geological conditions strongly influence seismic-wave propagation and earthquake ground response, particularly in heterogeneous volcanic environments. This study aimed to characterize shallow subsurface conditions and assess local seismic site response in Setiling Village, Central Lombok, Indonesia, by integrating two-dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) using the Wenner–Schlumberger configuration with Spatial Autocorrelation (SPAC)-based microtremor analysis. Three ERT profiles and twenty SPAC measurement points were acquired to evaluate subsurface heterogeneity and near-surface stiffness. The ERT results revealed significant resistivity variations associated with volcanic lithology, weathering intensity, moisture content, and groundwater conditions. Conductive zones (<100 Ωm) were interpreted as highly weathered volcanic deposits, whereas higher resistivity zones (>600 Ωm) represented relatively competent volcanic materials. SPAC-derived Vs30 values ranged from 150 to 525 m/s, corresponding to NEHRP Site Classes C, D, and E. Integrated interpretation demonstrated a consistent relationship between resistivity and Vs30, indicating that progressive volcanic weathering simultaneously reduces electrical resistivity and subsurface stiffness. The integrated ERT–SPAC approach provides a reliable framework for village-scale seismic site characterization, supporting seismic hazard assessment, risk-informed spatial planning, resilient infrastructure development, and disaster risk reduction in tropical volcanic regions.
