Publication

Applicability of automated sonic tomography inspection systems for the on-site structural assessment of the internal condition of historical stone masonry walls

2026

Abstract

Among common non-destructive testing techniques, sonic testing is frequently used for the qualitative assessment of historical masonry structures. The present study aims to improve the current capabilities of the sonic test method by exploring: (a) the advantages of automating the inspection; and (b) the use of advanced imaging methods to aid in the interpretation of the results for structural diagnosis. An automated sonic tomography inspection system previously developed by the research team was tested on-site in two remote heritage sites in Albania and Switzerland. The automation of the inspection allowed collecting the large amount of data required for 3D tomographic imaging the interior of different types of masonry walls, which can help detecting and estimating the extension of both poor and sound areas of masonry, as well as inner cracks. Results show the potential of the use of robotic systems for the structural diagnosis of heritage buildings, which can greatly enhance our capabilities of imaging the subsurface of masonry structures.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/3334bac0-465f-40e0-a40f-4530b1b47836

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2026

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/3334bac0-465f-40e0-a40f-4530b1b47836

About this result

Related concepts (32)

Masonry

Masonry is the craft of building a structure with brick, stone, or similar material, including mortar plastering which are often laid in, bound and pasted together by mortar; the term masonry can also refer to the building units (stone, brick, etc.) themselves. The common materials of masonry construction are bricks and building stone such as marble, granite, and limestone, cast stone, concrete blocks, glass blocks, and adobe. Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction.

Ultrasonic testing

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a family of non-destructive testing techniques based on the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the object or material tested. In most common UT applications, very short ultrasonic pulse-waves with center frequencies ranging from 0.1-15 MHz, and occasionally up to 50 MHz, are transmitted into materials to detect internal flaws or to characterize materials. A common example is ultrasonic thickness measurement, which tests the thickness of the test object, for example, to monitor pipework corrosion.

Medical imaging

Medical imaging is the technique and process of imaging the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues (physiology). Medical imaging seeks to reveal internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, as well as to diagnose and treat disease. Medical imaging also establishes a database of normal anatomy and physiology to make it possible to identify abnormalities.

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Applicability of automated sonic tomography inspection systems for the on-site structural assessment of the internal condition of historical stone masonry walls

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