Non-Destructive Techniques for Building Evaluation in Urban Areas: The Case Study of the Redesigning Project of Eleftheria Square (Nicosia, Cyprus)

Abstract

This paper deals with the application of non-destructive geophysical techniques of investigation in the urban environment of the city of Nicosia (Cyprus). The main aim of the research was, in the frame of the Eleftheria Square redesign project, to image subsurface properties in order to reduce the impact of hazards on the old buildings (therefore preserving the cultural heritage of the place), and on the new infrastructure under construction. Since 2008, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and induced electromagnetic method (EMI) were employed during the different phases of the project to provide an understanding of geological stratigraphy, the detection of buried objects (archaeological structures and underground utilities) and the solution of unexpected events (such as water infiltration in the course of works). The geophysical results proved the efficiency of the adopted methods, adding scientific value to the knowledge of the studied area. The new gathered information helped the public administration technicians to plan direct and targeted interventions and to modify the original design of the project according to the discovery of archaeological findings.