Investigation on the presence of detachments of glazed ceramic tile panels by means of non destructive acoustic mapping

This Report includes the theoretical background and the results of an assessment of the ACoustic Energy Absorption Device (ACEADD) as a means to reveal the presence of hidden decay in azulejo panels, namely detachments from the supporting wall and glaze delaminations. The project results from a cooperation between the Institute of Acoustics and Sensor - O. M. Corbino of the Italian National Research Council (CNR_IDASC), which developed the device and successfully tested it on partially detached frescos, and Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil which is engaged in a planned effort to develop means of diagnose and intervention for the conservation of azulejo tiles and panels.