Archaeological Buildings Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Different Disinfection Techniques Performances in Drinking Water Treatment Plant Using a Process Simulation Software

Historical building heritages have the greatest role to recognize each nation in the world. It is very important to save these identities from natural and artificial disasters. Digital documentation is the best method that has been used worldwide for this purpose. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) are used frequently in documentation of national heritage, because the system allows fast and reliable collection of thousands of 3D points. However, the scanner could not scan the surface of the object completely, especially in the case of high-altitude building and complex object. In this study the integration of terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry is used to manage the areas that cannot be measured with TLS. Three archeological buildings, that is located in Erbil Citadel, have been selected for the study. The obtained 3D models have been assessed by measuring points for the field. Assessment of the results showed to be within internationalstandards.

Multispectral remote sensing for post‐dictive analysis of archaeological remains. A case study from Bronte (Sicily)

AbstractIn recent years, the use of remote sensing in archeology has rapidly grown, having being proven particularly useful for landscape archaeology investigations. The quality of results obtained through remote sensing mainly depends on the number of bands that can be exploited, the spatial and spectral resolution of imagery and the methodology used. In this work, adopting a post‐dictive approach, multispectral remote sensing data from World‐View 2 (WV‐2) were used in order to detect archaeological features in the volcanic area of Bronte (Sicily, Italy), a town 40 km from Catania. The selected area lies in the western slope of Etna, inside the boundary of Etna Park. Here, the archaeological research is affected by specific problems. The geology and the spontaneous vegetation of this fascinating environment represents one of the biggest issues. The entire research was conducted using free and open source software (FOSS) within a low‐cost logic that allows study of landscapes using limited budget. The strategy developed in our study is directed towards a post‐dictive approach to archeological data and remote sensing techniques. We analyzed an area where archeological buildings are now visible, but WV‐2 multispectral images have been deliberately selected prior to the archaeological excavations carried out in 2015. In this way, we can evaluate and test instruments and techniques at our disposal, emphasizing weaknesses and strengths. The final results illustrate the benefits and challenges of performing multispectral imagines for archaeological investigations. The use of some of the most promising vegetation indices, especially Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Simple Ratio Index (SRI), is analysed and discussed, while the post‐dictive approach suggests that the more useful bands are undoubtedly NIR_1 and RED_EDGE.

Architectural Paint Research and the archaeology of buildings

ABSTRACT Architectural Paint Research (APR) is the archaeological study of interior and exterior applied decoration. Over time, applied layers of paint and other decorative finishes build up on the surface of a built structure, encapsulating microscopic deposits of material evidence. This evidence can be used to inform the phase dating of a structure or illuminate the historic function of a space. It can challenge preconceived ideas of how specific areas were decorated and track the changes in aesthetics over time. It can identify when architects’ ideologies have been balanced by practical considerations. It can provide an insight into the intangible and ephemeral atmosphere that decoration gives to a room. Finally, it can examine the dirt trapped between the layers of decoration and thus categorise the physical environmental conditions that surrounded a building at varying points in its history. Although used in the commercial heritage and conservation sectors, APR is almost completely unknown to building archaeologists. This article aims to introduce APR to a new audience and argues that is an invaluable tool in the archaeological interpretation of buildings.

REHABILITATION AND FUNCTIONALITY OF ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS TO PRESERVE THEM FROM DAMAGE FACTORS

The process of maintenance and rehabilitation of archaeological buildings play an important and vital role in preserving thehuman heritage from exhaustion to remain an essential and indispensable milestone through its interaction with the community inaddition to the economic aspect gained from its reinvestment. Developed countries have known that, the best way to preserve thehistoric building and prolonging its life alongside maintenance, is by its rehabilitation by providing a new function that ensuresits survival and continuity, with taking in the consideration that no damage occurs to its historical value and privacy and that thenew function be harmony consistent with the cultural nature of the architectural building and its structure and the rehiring ofbuildings and consist with the conditions of venice agreement 1964.

Post-war Reconstruction - Conservation Strategies for the Local Architectural Identity of the Mosul house for the post war

Humanity has witnessed in the past and continues to witness many devastating wars, which showed the weakness of the urban heritage in front of the destructive power of weapons and wars. With the disappearance of several archaeological buildings after the Second World War, the human being started to realize the importance of the local identity and worried about it from dissolution. This issue has emerged as a conflict that witnessed bloody wars and armed conflicts starting with the world war I and world war II, as well as many other civil wars that occurred in different countries in the world either for national or religious community divisions. Those wars have often led, at the cultural level, to a partial or entire destruction in the areas of conflict, the loot of heritage pieces and the burning of libraries. However, it is clear that the urbanized heritage is represented by the local heritage buildings, which are the product of human thought and culture and the conservation of the urban heritage has thus become a human historic responsibility. The importance of this research is represented for the urgent need to define the general guidelines for the reconstruction of Mosuli houses after the recent war. It is decided in order to create a local architectural identity that expresses the zeitgeist and achieves continuity with the heritage and local history of the city of Mosul, rich in heritage and history. So, this has created the research problem (Identifying strategies for redesigning and reconstruction the Mosuli house after Isis war). The research assumes that the application of local heritage elements will achieve a featured local identity for the houses to be reconstructed after the war. The aim of the research is to guide the strategies of re-implementation and reconstruction in order to preserve the local identity. To approach these goals, some experiences of other countries in the rehabilitation of cities after wars were mentioned, as well as some local architectural concepts related to post-war reconstruction were reviewed. Then, after that come up with a strategy that organizes reconstruction process. This study was mainly based on the analytical approach of several Mosuli houses to achieve the optimal strategy for the reconstruction of the Mosuli house post-war and also to obtain best possible outcomes regarding the local architectural identity of the city of Mosul.

ANALYTICAL AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CHANGE IN FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE OF SOME ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURES IN CAIRO DURING THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

This research paper aims to discuss the nature of change in the functional purpose of some archaeological and historical buildings in Cairo during the 19th and 20th centuries along with a comparative study of some of the most important heritage constructions and evidences in the world, such as the British Museum in London, as well as the Historical Railway Station of Orsay in Paris. There are some practical attempts and technical procedures that have been carried out to achieve some functional purposes, differ from the original purposes of the archaeological and historical buildings in Cairo in particular. In a similar way, this has been applied to historical and heritage buildings around the world in general. The methodology of this study will be addressed through analytical and comparative study of the original idea or the original functional purpose of these archaeological and historical buildings.The outlines and features of change in the functional purpose of these archaeological and historical buildings are represented in some technical procedures like the technique of adaptive rehabilitation or rehabilitation in terms of adaptation, so there is a necessity for conformity and harmony between heritage buildings and modern functional purpose, and this should be done without any disagreement and repulsion with the original functional purpose. There is also a necessity to protect the original functional purpose, which should be adapted to the modern functional purpose in order to achieve compatibility between old and new integration processes.

Karst Detection Beneath the Pyramid of El Castillo, Chichen Itza, Mexico, by Non-Invasive ERT-3D Methods

Currently, archaeologists perform excavations determined by previous geophysical studies to accurately establish the prospective targets and minimize site disturbance. Among others, one of the methods most widely employed is the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT-2D, -3D). However, investigation of the subsoil of archaeological buildings is not possible to carry out with traditional geophysical methods, because the structure itself prevents it. Therefore, it is necessary to design non-invasive special arrays capable of characterizing the subsoil of such buildings, while preserving their historical context. Here we show how this procedure combined with sequences of resistivity observations at depth allowed us to detect a low resistivity body beneath the pyramid of El Castillo in Chichen Itza (Mexico). This feature may be associated with a cavity (karst) partially filled with sweet water. On the other hand, a natural cavity was discovered under El Osario pyramid (south of El Castillo), at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, this pyramid was also studied to validate the effectiveness of this methodology, obtaining outstanding results. This method provides an interesting procedure to investigate the subsoil of archaeological structures for unveiling evidences that allow specialists to understand the religious meaning of these temples.

Inanimate Conversion

Works on conversion have concentrated almost solely on the movement of people – individuals or communities – between religions. The material evidence has been employed as a tool to learn about people and texts. Nevertheless, when studied on its own accord, the material evidence reveals another facet of conversion; it tells of sacred objects which were at the heart of religious communities, and whose transition to another religion touched upon the very essence of religious identity and the meaning of sanctity.Books and buildings are two of the most common sacred objects used by Jews, Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages. Rarely studied together, the transformation of both objects has much in common, and books, much like archaeological sites and buildings, contain evidence of successive layers of compilation and use. The conversion of buildings and sites has been central to religious conquest and appropriation. These transformations were manifested by physical modifications as well as in the creation of a new mythology, which was employed, surprisingly, by Christians and Muslims alike, in the Latin East, Iberia and Egypt. Books were also volatile objects, and evidence reveals the movement of sacred books between religions, with the most treasured Gospel Books being given to Jewish communities as collateral, or the amalgamation of Jewish and Christian Bibles in medieval monasteries. In this article specific examples, from the conversion of the Dome of the Rock to the multi-layer transformation of a German Bible, provide a concrete basis for this theoretical exploration.

Impact of Urban Areas on Historical and Archaeological Buildings

Impact of Urban Areas on Historical and Archaeological Buildings

Potential of 3d laser point cloud data usage for the tourism industry

AbstractLaser scanning technology, both mobile and terrestrial, has encountered great technological advance during past few years. It gives us the opportunity to acquire great amounts of precisely measured data. 3d laser scanner technology is used in the development of tourism industry in some tourist places in Egypt, where this technology plays major roles in various fields that contribute to the industry of tourism, archaeology and preservation of ancient heritage. The point cloud plays major roles various fields that contribute to the tourism industry such as archeological exploration, heritage, monument preservation and 3d information technology. A much more suitable acquisition platform is 3d laser scanner where point cloud is collected with very high accuracy and details. The level of details is an essential requirement for tourism applications. National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics NRIAG added Vehicle mobile laser scanner and terrestrial laser scanner systems to its Crustal Movements Laboratory–Geodynamic Department to investigate the potential of 3d laser scanners in various fields and disciplines such as the tourism industry and archaeological preservation. The main objective of this work is to cover several basic points, the elevation of the archaeological areas with high accuracy. Make photographic videos of archaeological sites. 3d modeling (virtual reality) is used for archaeological buildings and cemeteries and digitizing them with a very high accuracy especially as they are based on real data that helps in documenting them for future generations and preserving their historical value and restoration.

Impact of Urban Areas on Historical and Archaeological Buildings

Impact of Urban Areas on Historical and Archaeological Buildings

Proposals for seismic retrofitting of timber roofs to enhance their in-plane stiffness and diaphragm action at historical masonry buildings in Cairo

Abstract The in-plane stiffness of flat roofs plays crucial role in the structural stability and safety of historical load bearing masonry buildings under lateral hazardous loads. For decades, many restorers of historical buildings used to provide the original timber roofs with rigid diaphragms action using modern engineering systems; such as building reinforced concrete (R.C.) thin slabs. The present research studies analytically the installation of simple and robust timber bracing system above timber boards and under flooring layers of timber flat roofs; to improve the seismic behavior and stability of their historical load bearing masonry buildings in Cairo. The study will evaluate among various alternatives of bracing systems using numerical modelling techniques of computer software that applies Finite Element (F.E.) method. The research applies the numerical investigation to one of archaeological buildings in Cairo from Ottoman era, which is the “Sabil” of “Khusraw Pasha” (1535 A.D./942 A.H.). The timber x-bracing system provides remarkable results relative to rigid diaphragm and steel bracing for seismic retrofitting of historical timber roofs.

Buildings Archaeology Without Recording

This short paper outlines the development and operation of a workshop series called Buildings Archaeology Without Recording. The workshops are an experiment in an artistically-inspired site-specific archaeology, which has proven successful in public and local-political engagements with archaeological themes.

A Novel urban transformation criteria from a Geosciences perspective: As case study in Bursa, NW Turkey

Urban transformation in Turkey occurs in a rapid and disorganized form that causes major problems during disasters. In countries such as Turkey, where natural disasters occur frequently, sensitivity to urban planning and natural disasters should be addressed using geophysical, geotechnical and microzonation maps. This paper aims to show the results of seismic microzonation maps that define soil problems and interpret results with appropriate approaches that use multiple parameters, including shear wave velocity soil amplification, soil fundamental frequency and electric resistivity, from a series of geophysical measurements made on a 540-ha area in the city of Bursa, NW Turkey. In urban transformation studies, non-destructive techniques generated by geophysical applications have been considered to be a first step when monitoring the ground surface in archaeological buildings and old residential areas, such as in Bursa, which was once the capital city of the Ottoman Empire. In this study, a flowchart in five basic steps, developed for the organization of a successful urban transformation study, based on microzonation. These steps include 1- general properties of the study area (regional tectonic and seismotectonic), 2- characteristics of earthquakes and soils, 3- site characterization and type of soil problems, 4- data availability and quality, and 5- evaluation of results and decision-making. The results are re-organized to achieve systematic criteria for urban transformation. Remarkably, no standard criteria currently exist. This study illustrates that geophysical data provide a useful basis for land-use planning in cities at risk of earthquakes.

Combining residue analysis of floors and ceramics for the study of activity areas at the Garum Shop at Pompeii

In this paper, we propose the application—for the first time in the Mediterranean area—of the combination of the study of chemical residues in floors and ceramics, with the aim of providing information about the activities carried out in archeological buildings. We chose the Garum Shop at Pompeii to test the method. In fact, due to the peculiarity of this archeological context, it provided an ideal case in which the activities performed are in part known, and the ceramic vessels recovered are still in situ. Floor samples were studied by means of spot tests developed in Mexico aimed at identifying the presence of phosphates, fatty acids, and protein residues, while the organic residues preserved in the ceramic matrix of amphorae, dolia, and other ceramic vessels were studied by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Moreover, we integrated the data obtained with specific studies directed at better identifying the solid residues found inside two of the amphorae studied: botanical studies of fruit stones recovered in a Dressel 20 amphora and the characterization of the lime preserved in an African amphora. The research allowed for the identification of the traces of some of the activities performed, such as cooking and producing garum in the floors of the building, and the use and re-use of amphorae and dolia before the Vesuvian eruption.

3D imaging technology for improvement of and application in architectural monitoring

We consider the problem of laser scanners are increasingly being employed as surveyinginstruments for numerous applications. In this paper we have constructed a system for monitoringdangerous parts of archaeological sites or buildings. In order to the fragile parts of an archaeologicalsite or building are protected without human intervention, the system will perform a 3D scan of thebuilding in real time and collect the data. The system will restore the collected data and monitor thebuilding by comparing and analyzing the data at di erent times. At the same time, in order to reducethe error generated in the coordinate system transformation process, we have established a “flattened”model to optimize 3D imaging to ensure that the final image does not exhibit distortion. By simulatingdi erent data, we can determine that our “flattened” model produces good results in 3D imaging.

El diseño urbano de la regio IV de Complutum (Alcalá de Henares). Estudios a partir de la prospección geofísica

Se presenta la investigación realizada sobre la traza urbana de la regio IV de la ciudad romana de Complutum. Se realiza una prospección eléctrica acompañada por el estudio de algunos restos excavados recientemente y de la documentación procedente de excavaciones del siglo XIX. Como resultado, ha sido posible generar una nueva propuesta de diseño urbano para la regio IV, basada en una trama ortogonal de insulae de 30x30 m, e identificar diversas estructuras entre las que destaca un edificio singular que con todas las precauciones debidas podría tratarse de un santuario urbano de importantes dimensiones.

MULTIPLE USES OF A 3D POINT CLOUD: THE CASTLE OF FRANCHIMONT (PROVINCE OF LIÈGE, BELGIUM)

Abstract. This paper presents the identified obstacles, needs and selected solutions for the study of the medieval castle of Franchimont, located in the province of Liège (Belgium). After taking into account the requirements from all the disciplines at work as well as the problems that would have to be tackled, the creation of a 3D point cloud was decided. This solution would be able to deal with the characteristics and needs of a research involving building archaeology and related fields. The decision was made in order to manage all of the available data and to provide a common working tool for every involved cultural heritage actor. To achieve this, the elaboration of an Archaeological Information System based on 3D point clouds as a common virtual workspace is being taken into consideration.

Surveying for architectural students: as simple as possible – as much as necessary

Abstract. More and more, existing buildings – and particularly historic buildings – are becoming part of the daily business of every architect. Planning and designing in the field of architectural heritage requires not only knowledge of contemporary building techniques, design processes and national and international guidelines, but also a deep understanding of architectural heritage, its evolution and genesis, the building techniques that have been applied, materials used, traditions, etc. In many cases, it is indispensable to perform a detailed building survey and building research to achieve an adequate design concept. The Department of History of Architecture and Building Archaeology of TU Wien has an extensive tradition of building research and over the course of the past 10 years, has developed a teaching workflow to introduce architectural students to building archaeology und surveying methods for building research. A sophisticated, temporally interwoven combination of courses and lectures on different topics related to building archaeology and surveying rapidly gives the architectural students the right tools for this important but often neglected task.

Analysis of Heritage Sites’ Attractiveness in relation to Archaeotourism Development in Bujang Valley (Kedah)

This article focuses on the heritage site located in Lembah Bujang/Bujang Valley (Kedah) and its relationship with the archaeotourism sector. Bujang Valley is rich in heritage, comprising archaeological sites, historical buildings and nature. However, to what extent has such a unique heritage been used to expand archaeotourism in Bujang Valley? Which location is the main focus of tourists, is the infrastructure provided at the sites sufficient for visitors' convenience, and what are the problems that become constraints which may affect the development of archaeotourism in Lembah Bujang. The objective of this article is to analyse the attractiveness factors of heritage sites in the Lembah Bujang (Kedah) archaeotourism sector. In addition, the article will discuss the success criteria of those sites that gain tourists' attention, the facilities that are available and that should be provided, as well as how to increase the number of tourists visiting Lembah Bujang. This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods. References to primary and secondary sources were conducted through libraries and archives. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed to collect feedback from respondents relevant to the analysis by using SPSS. The study found several locations which are very popular and the focus of tourists, among which are Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum (MALB) and Sungai Batu. In addition to the archaeological findings, tourists’ attraction to Lembah Bujang is due to the element of history and the monuments. In addition, the landform and the natural environment are among the factors that attract tourists to Lembah Bujang. The study also found that cooperation between all parties is essential to promote the speciality of a heritage site if they want to expand the archaeotourism sector in Lembah Bujang. Meanwhile, the authorities should also provide facilities in the vicinity of the site for visitors’ convenience.