Building Materials, Ionizing Radiation and HBIM: A Case Study from Pompei (Italy)

A novel approach to heritage conservation integrates ionizing radiation analysis with digital documentation techniques, revealing the biological risks posed by igneous building materials prevalent in Southern Italy. The study demonstrates that these materials emit detectable ionizing radiation spectra, which can be mapped non-invasively using false-color imaging derived from HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling). Focusing on Pompeii’s main square—a high-traffic area with dense historical architecture—the research validates a protocol combining GIS, CIM, and BIM to visualize radiation exposure patterns. This method offers a data-driven strategy for assessing and mitigating stochastic biological effects in heritage sites, bridging geological material analysis with advanced digital modeling.

Argenziano, P., Avella, A., & Albanese, S. (2018). Building Materials, Ionizing Radiation and HBIM: A Case Study from Pompei (Italy). Buildings, 8(2), 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8020018