Ultrasound Tomography and 3D Scanning Technologies as a Tool to Constrain the Weathering State of Objects Made of Marble

Ultrasound Tomography and 3D Scanning Technologies as a Tool to Constrain the Weathering State of Objects Made of Marble
Johanna Menningen, Torben Fetzer, Alexander Schäfer, Gerd Reis, Siegfried Siegesmund
In: Monument Future: Decay and Conservation of Stone. International Congress on the Deterioration and Conservation of Stone (STONE-2020), Göttingen, Germany, ISBN 978-3-96311-172-3, Mitteldeutscher Verlag, 2020.

Abstract:

In recent years, the digitization of cultural assets plays an increasingly important role. While objects’ surfaces can be displayed in high quality using 3D scanning technology; ultrasound tomography can be applied to monitor the internal state of deterioration. The combination of both techniques to document and evaluate the weathering condition of relevant objects is presented, to demonstrate its effectiveness. Columns made of Prieborn and Kauffung marble as well as sculptures made of Carrara marble have been analyzed. In addition, conventional, manual decay mapping was applied to verify the benefits of the 3D reconstruction in this context. The automatic preparation of textured surfaces can support and improve the quality of documentation techniques. Three dimensional digital models can serve as an intuitive frame for documentation purposes in the context of conservation and restoration. The combination of tomographic investigations and 3D-reconstruction can improve the accuracy of the weathering evaluation. The 3D-scanning technology provides an easier, contactless, faster and more precise documentation as compared to manual decay mapping. In order to capture the 3D geometry, the Fringe Projection Structured Light method has proven to be a viable approach to quality and practicality. Especially for statues and structural building elements the continuous monitoring of their deterioration degree is desirable. The investigations have shown, that quality and degree of detail achievable with recent digitization technologies can support, simplify and improve scientific investigations.