Non - invasive electromagnetic surveys (ERT and GPR tests) for the detection of foundation geometry in historical site: the case of Carmine bell tower, Naples (Italy)

The technical report describes the recent application of Electrical Resistivity (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), for reconstructing buried structural geometries of a cultural heritage site in the city of Napoli, characterized by complex environmental and logistic conditions. The investigated site is the Carmine bell tower, located in the East seaside area of Naples (Italy), close to the neighboring magnificent church. The electromagnetic surveys were finalized to detect the foundation geometry of the high monumental bell tower resting on loose alluvial and pyroclastic soils. In fact, such non-invasive methods can assist the geotechnical engineers in the detection of foundation geometry when cultural heritage needs to be preserved and penetrating investigation tools (such as boreholes) must be avoided or, at least, their impact reduced to the minimum.