Advanced Digital Video Analyses to Estimate the Dynamic Behavior for Proper Design of a Base-Isolation System of the Sarcophagus of the Spouses at the National Etruscan Museum in Rome: Preliminary Results

A preliminary characterization of the input vibrations and of the dynamic behavior of the Sarcophagus of the Spouses at the National Etruscan Museum in Rome by advanced digital videos analyses is illustrated. This activity focuses on the development of a protection system for museum assets in order to reduce potential damage due to traffic and earthquakes. The vibrations induced by roads, tramways and an underground train line were measured by seismometers and analyzed to characterize the base excitation to the Sarcophagus. Given the high vulnerability of the Sarcophagus, no instrumentation could be placed on it, so that conventional contact sensors could not be used. Consequently, non-contact video-based techniques were considered and, in particular, high-speed and high-resolution video camera footage was recorded. The video was analyzed by advanced algorithms derived from the motion magnification method, which is a video signal elaboration method able to enormously amplify the tiniest movements of the acquired objects. A preliminary estimation of the main dynamic characteristics of the Sarcophagus was performed. The associated frequencies will be used to calibrate the numerical models and to optimize the design of the base-isolation system. The used digital video analysis technique is also discussed in terms of its many advantages and its application criticalities.