The Interferometric Use of Radar Sensors for the Urban Monitoring of Structural Vibrations and Surface Displacements

In this paper, we propose a combined use of real
aperture radar (RAR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors,
within an interferometric processingchain, to provide a new
methodology for monitoring urban environment and historical
buildings at different temporal and spatial scales. In particular,
ground-based RAR measurements are performed to estimate the
vibration displacements and the natural oscillation frequencies of
structures, with the aim of supporting the understanding of the
building dynamic response. These measurements are then juxtaposed
with ground-based and space-borne SAR data to monitor
surface deformation phenomena, and hence, point out potential
risks within an urban environment. In this framework, differential
interferometric SAR algorithms are implemented to generate
short-term (monthly) surface displacement and long-term (annual)
mean surface displacement velocity maps at local (hundreds m2)
and regional (tens km2) scale, respectively. The proposed methodology,
developed among the activities carried out within the national
project Programma Operativo Nazionale MASSIMO (Monitoraggio
in Area Sismica di SIstemi MOnumentali), is tested and
discussed for the ancient structure of Saint Augustine compound,
located in the historical center of Cosenza (Italy) and representing
a typical example of the Italian Cultural Heritage.