In recent decades the composite materials have been used to strengthened and repair the historical masonry. A new class of composites that is begin explored that includes steel fiber sheet embedded in an inorganic matrix. The use of steel fibers was proposed in alternative to others fibers as PBO, Carbon glass and Basalt. In the paper, the structural behavior of masonry columns strengthened with steel-FRCM (SRG) have been investigated through the numerical 3D simulations calibrated on experimental tests present in literature. The 3D numerical approach is based on a macro-model to simulate the nonlinear structural behavior masonry columns. The comparison of the numerical models with the experimental carryout shows in terms of peak force and axial force–strain curves.

The essential mission of an archeologist can be synthesized in two main objectives. The first one concerns the entire system of experimental measurements and subsequent decision making procedures involved in the archaeological fieldwork process. These actions are usually based on the employment of engineering methods and technical tools that enable the implementation of site searching, mapping and documentation collecting tasks. On the other hand, once the fieldwork has been accomplished, the archaeologist main goal becomes the development of specific actions dedicated to the site preservation and prevention from illicit intrusion events and finally, to the dissemination of the gathered knowledge to increase people awareness about cultural heritage. The mentioned issues constitute the primary concerns for every institution involved in the safeguard and promotion of cultural heritage. This is true for on land and for underwater archeology as well. This paper focuses on issues related to the underwater archeology scenario, a circumstance that deserves an in-depth discussion since the intrinsic threats for human safety as well as the complex working conditions pose challenging issues to the archaeological mission. Nevertheless the huge patrimony of wrecks and man made artifacts lying all over the globe sea floors must be preserved in that it represents a collective community asset.

The evolution of underwater photogrammetry allows to realize 3D models of submerged object and structures throughout the use of rapid and efficient procedures either in terms of data acquisition and data processing. These procedures are based on solutions that are applied using natural control points, signalized markers and tie points; the most common algorithms are based on Structure from Motion (SfM) approach. The limit of these applications is sometimes due to the final accuracy, especially when the goal is a centimeter level of accuracy. This accuracy should be necessary when dealing with a survey devoted to deformation control purposes. An example is the underwater photogrammetry for the determination of coral growth; it is effectively a movement or a deformation detection issue where the geometric change is almost at centimeter or few centimeters accuracy level. When dealing with deformation control applications, a geodetic network is essential to realize a stable and unambiguous reference frame through the accurate and permanent installation of Ground Control Points (GCPs). Such a network, indeed, permits a robust reference frame for the georeferencing of images blocks in the different époques of data acquisition. Therefore, the comparison among subsequent photogrammetric restitutions is based on homogeneous 3D models that have been oriented in the same absolute reference system. The photogrammetric survey is based on a methodological approach especially adapted to underwater biometry (like coral growth determination) and to underwater archaeology. The approach is suitable both for modeling objects of relatively reduced dimensions and for structures with a length of ten meters or more, such as coral barriers, wrecks and long walls. The paper describes underwater photogrammetric surveys on sites at different extensions, the geodetic GCPs reference network installation and measurements (distance and elevation difference observations) as well as preliminary results of the network adjustment. A brief description of image acquisition at a different scales and the resulting 3D model of first campaign are also shown.

This paper explores the application of two widely-used digital technologies, Structure-from-Motion (SfM) photogrammetry and Building Information Modelling (BIM), in the case of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. SfM photogrammetry was used for the 3D documentation of Agioi Anargyroi Greek Orthodox church in Athens, including exterior and internal spaces, using a combination of ground-based and aerial (UAVmounted) photography under rigorous survey control. The resulting point cloud dataset constitutes the primary survey record of the building in its current state (as-existing). Finally, a BIM-ready model of the existing structure was proposed as an alternative method for the production of coordinated 2D drawings and facilitating requirements of subsequent development of the project.

The use of three-dimensional models is widespread in many sciences and has been in common use in archaeological studies, both in the phase of the study and in divulgation for a long time. When making decisions about the use of available technologies the following aspects should be taken into consideration: cost, accuracy, speed and easy of use. The Computer Vision is a relatively recent computer technology that is able to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction by a cluster of photos processed by automated software. The aim of this work is to evaluate the performance offered by the Computer Vision using low cost tools and software.