Project 3 – RAISE Spoke 3

Technologies for advances environmental monitoring and seismic forecasting

A classifier designed to detect cracks in images. It consists of a neural network trained on images collected from churches in the Genova area. The aim was to develop a model capable of identifying structural damage even in the presence of visual noise, such as frescoes and decorative elements. The model performs an object detection on images, producing a patch-based representation that highlights only the areas affected by cracks.
A protocol for surveying the interiors of churches in post-earthquake scenarios. The proposed methodology reduces the risks typically faced by experts who must enter potentially damaged buildings after seismic events, to assess their structural safety and usability. It leverages technologies such as robots, drones, cameras, and LiDAR systems to enable remote data acquisition, allowing operators to remain outside the building. When integrated with Product 3.2, the approach can produce a 3D model in which the damaged internal areas are clearly visualized.

Product 3.1 Automatic procedure for near real-time mapping of seismic shaking and associated consequences at the urban scale

A digital platform has been developed by UniGE through the collaboration of researchers from DICCA and DISTAV Departments with ETT to enhance seismic risk management offering the ability to generate urban-scale damage scenarios.
The key feature of the procedure implemented by UniGE (Merani et al. 2026) is to systematically investigate and quantify how the level of detail within the input data for seismic hazard, exposure and vulnerability (i.e. the key components of a risk study) possibly influences the damage scenarios.

Product 3.2 Procedure for the automatic interpretation of images acquired after seismic events on individual artifacts or at urban scale for the attribution of synthetic damage levels

The project focuses on developing a model for the automatic detection of cracks on complex surfaces, with particular attention to historic buildings and cultural heritage assets. It is carried out within the framework of the RAISE project and aims to support structural damage assessment, especially in post-earthquake scenarios.

Product 3.3 Development of a robot designed for damage surveying in post-earthquake conditions in indoor or outdoor environments, even obstructed by debris

This project presents an integrated methodology for supporting the post-earthquake damage survey in monumental buildings, with a particular focus on churches. These structures are particularly significant due to the role they play in society, while at the same time they present additional challenges compared to ordinary buildings in terms of preservation requirements. Certain distinctive features, such as large vaulted spaces and wide spans, make them more vulnerable to seismic action, also raising further implications for the safety of surveyors.