Determination of Structural Destruction of Ancient Monuments with Thermal Imaging and Microwave Humidity Measurements: Sample Study of Hagia Sophia Museum

Abstract

In Turkey currently the restoration of buildings with historical significance is given great importance. Before restoration work on these types of buildings with historical significance, it is very important to research the causes of deformation and disruption. Due to developed technological tools, it is possible to determine deformation and causes with non-destructive methods before restoration work.The main dome of Hagia Sophia Museum, with construction completed in 537 AD and used as a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul, has collapsed and been damaged several times. In the 16th century Mimar (architect) Sinan attempted to prevent this damage by constructing retaining walls and buttresses. In addition to this damage to the main dome, there is structural damage that has occurred within the building. With the aim of preventing this damage, all supporting elements within the building, led by the gallery floor, were supported with metal and wooden beams. After this reinforcement, there is no evidence of any earthquake causing destruction to Hagia Sophia in spite of many earthquakes occurred in the region. In addition to all these reinforcement works, in 1930 the architect Fossatti brothers performed repair and reinforcement work to the main dome. A focus of intense interest currently with many visitors, there is noteworthy deformation in Hagia Sophia, especially on the floor of the gallery and in the walls.With the aim of researching the causes of disruption and deformation identified in the walls with structural radar studies, thermal imaging and microwave humidity measurements were completed. The images obtained as a result shed light on the findings of the structural radar study.Thermal imaging processes and point microwave humidity measurements performed on the gallery floor of Hagia Sophia Museum show the problems the structure has been and will be exposed to and reveal that non-destructive examination processes may be successfully used. These types of studies carry great importance in preserving structures with both historical importance and economic importance due to current visitor numbers.