NEWS

The purpose of the monitoring of the Basilica of Santa Maria de Castelló d'Empúries, also known as the Cathedral of the Empordà and considered a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN), was to control and collect data on the evolution of the cracks and the dampness existing in the building. The behaviour of the alabaster altarpiece behind the high altar was also studied.

The monitoring was carried out through the use of 24 sensors, lasted 12 months and the sampling rate used in the installed sensors was 30 minutes (one reading every half hour). The campaign was completed with several photographic sessions carried out with a thermographic camera.

The correlation between displacement and temperature data allowed the cyclic component of the thermal movements experienced by some of the fissures to be identified.

Through the combined use of surface temperature sensors, internal wall temperature and the thermographic camera, it has been possible to evaluate the evolution of the dampness observed in the preliminary inspections. This combination of techniques has also facilitated the verification of the quality and effectiveness of some of the repairs carried out prior to the auscultation.

The monitoring work has been extended to the remains of the wall located at the back of the Basilica, at the foot of which runs the so-called "Rec de Molí". The presence of this river course - with extreme episodes of flow variation - may be the cause of some of the damage observed at the back of the Basilica and on the 13th-14th century wall itself.

The monitoring of this area has made it possible to identify an area of uncontrolled rainwater runoff, which could have compromised the stability of the foundations corresponding to the apse area. The ground settlement and rotational displacements experienced by secondary structures adjacent to the area adjoining the wall have also been quantified.

The thresholds established as critical values were not exceeded during the monitoring period.

The data obtained during the campaign were collected, processed and visualised through the 3S'TECH communications platform. The Bishopric's technicians were able to access this information at all times and in real time.

The results obtained, as well as recommendations for possible future actions, have been compiled in a final synthesis document.

We would like to thank Mr. Joaquim Giol -representative of the Bishopric of Girona- and Ms. María del Mar Ribé -technician responsible for the same institution- for their trust and collaboration, as well as their support and firm commitment to the use of new technologies based on IoT, applied to the audit, protection and maintenance of Cultural Heritage.