Coordinated application of structural strengthening injections with GPR method for restoration of historical artifacts: example study of Bodrum castle

Shallow geophysical methods are increasingly used for non-destructive assessment of structures and in line with this a variety of methods have come to the forefront for research of cultural heritage buildings. However, correct selection of geophysical method and targeted studies with historical structural knowledge will be effective and beneficial for restoration of cultural heritage structures. In this article, the GPR method was chosen with the aim of obtaining data forming the basis of injection studies to strengthen the fortification walls of Bodrum (Halikarnassus) Castle and to identify small anomalies (nearly centimeter size). The aim of the study was first to identify the locations of structural problems like cavities or degradation formed in the walls of the historical castle to effectively apply the injections and secondly to reveal the effect of the injections. GPR data identified cavities before injection and checks were performed at intervals after the injection to identify the effect of the injection and the best drying duration.