Using 3D scanning to monitor wood deformations and to evaluate preservation strategies

We present a methodology, based on 3D scanned digital models, for measurement and monitoring wood deformations, caused by weather changes, in the trees of the fossilized Dunarobba forest. The Dunarobba forest, located in the central part of Italy, was discovered recently after some excavations to dig clay for bricks manufacturing. The removal of the clay mass exposed the wood to the weather conditions, initiating a process of degradation. Different conservation methodologies have been proposed and the choice of the best fitting one has to be validated by means of an objective and measurable methodology. Monitoring the geometric variation of the wood trunks trough comparison of periodic 3D scanning campaign will be used to evaluate the current degradation rate and assess the effectiveness of the proposed conservation techniques.