Ground Probing Radar Surveys for the Morphological and Structural System Reading of the St. Salvatore Fortress in Messina (Italy).

Abstract

Specific Ground Probing Radar (GPR) surveys carried out on an ancient fortress, in order to characterize its morphological and structural configuration, are proposed, within a more extensive research programme aimed at the acquisition of elements to evaluate the damage susceptibility level of the monument. The St. Salvatore fortress is an important historical building located near the harbour of the city of Messina that, over the centuries, has suffered many transformations, due to natural and anthropic events. Several radar profiles, achieved inside and outside the St. Salvatore fortress, have highlighted some buried anthropic origin structures, of relevant interest for archaeologists and also for engineers in order to characterize safety reducers of the fortress.