An application of the Random-Fuzzy variables for the safeguard of underwater cultural heritage

This paper applies the Theory of Evidence and the Random-Fuzzy variables for monitoring the conservation state of metallic works of art in seawater. Cathodic protection can be proposed as a low invasive approach for the in situ preservation of underwater metallic artifacts. By measuring, at different times, the cathodic current and the corrosion potential of the artifact and by taking into account their measurement uncertainties, the Random-Fuzzy variables allow one to provide a risk level indicating a failure in the protection system. The evaluation of the risk level is very important, since the underwater artifact is not handy and the complex underwater environment can significantly affect the stability of the artifact. The monitoring of the risk level allows to highlight in real time possible dangerous situations for the artifact and an appropriate intervention can be promptly implemented.