The next appointment in the PhDTalks seminar series will take place on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, in Grandori Room (Building 4), from 12:00 to 13:00 CET.
PhDTalks is a series of seminars and discussions among PhD candidates. The events aim to provide a space for networking among doctoral students and for engaging with the many projects developed within our department.
The speaker Sara Donzelli will deliver a seminar entitled “Beneath the Frescoes of Pompeii: the Use of GPR to Identify and Image Roman Masonry Arrangements”
At the end of the event, a light refreshment will be offered, sponsored by the department.
The seminar will also be accessible online at the following link.
Abstract
The structural evaluation of walls in Pompeii requires accurate knowledge of construction techniques hidden by plaster and frescoes, which prevent direct observation and preclude invasive investigation. To address this challenge, a non-destructive methodology based on high-frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is proposed. A dedicated experimental setup enables surveys directly on decorated surfaces, improving signal quality while ensuring full compatibility with conservation requirements. A 2D approach supports the identification and mapping of masonry typologies, while 3D acquisition allows the imaging of surface masonry arrangements. The integration of these techniques provides a robust framework to support structural assessment and conservation management at Pompeii.
Speaker’s Bio
Sara holds an MSc in Structural Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, obtained in 2023. She is currently a PhD candidate in Structural, Seismic and Geotechnical Engineering (39th cycle).
She is developing a joint experimental and numerical approach for the assessment of buildings in the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Currently, her research focuses on the use of Ground Penetrating Radar as a non-invasive methodology to characterise Roman masonry arrangements hidden by decorated surfaces.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to all genres of music and theatre.