Work

Minimizing Transportation Damage of Murals: Application of Wire Rope Isolators and Real-Time Vibration Monitoring in the Case Study of Diego Rivera’s ‘Pan American Unity’

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transportation of large murals with significant historical and cultural value presents a considerable challenge due to their high susceptibility to damage caused by mechanical vibrations. This article presents a study on the design, implementation, and evaluation of an advanced wire rope isolator system, complemented by vibration sensors equipped with indicator lights for real-time monitoring. The research focuses on the case study of the relocation of Diego Rivera’s mural “Pan American Unity” from the City College of San Francisco to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). The study observed a reduction in vibration transmission to the mural panels, achieving vibration attenuation of up to −20 dB in the critical 10–30 Hz frequency band during transportation. It was also found that the implementation of real-time monitoring with indicator lights alerted operators and conservators to critical vibration levels, enabling immediate intervention.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152211963

Authors: Alejandro C. Ramirez-Reivich, Diego A. Zamora-Garcia, Ma Pilar Corona-Lira, Michelle Barger

Institutions: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Language: English

Topic: Vibration Control and Rheological Fluids

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896