Integrated GPR and Laser Vibration Surveys to Preserve Prehistorical Painted Caves: Cueva Pintada Case Study

ABSTRACT The study of structural safety when it is covered by important paintings requires a careful analysis without affecting the paintings. Therefore, non-destructive surveys are the only feasible method to obtain data about its state. In Cueva Pintada case, the problem requires a detailed but noninvasive analysis because this cave was dug in volcanic tuff. The tuff presents poor consolidation. This geological material is very sensitive to vibration. Furthermore, the proximity to the city downtown increases vibrations due to traffic. Recently, a small rockfall produces damage and alerted of the cave state of conservation. The painting walls constraint many of the NDT surveys. Two methodologies have been applied: ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and passive seismic. GPR analysis allowed determining the inner structure of the tuff cave, and results were used to determine the zones that required a wider and dense vibration study. Radar images show important anomalies at depths of about 0.2 m to 0.8 m and from 1.5 m to the top of the roof, almost horizontal. Amplification factor measured by passive seismic survey ranges from 0.03 to 93, with near half of the ceil with amplifications higher than 5 and about 10% with amplifications over 50 times.

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