Prof. Helal (left) and Prof. Grosse (right) in front of the pyramids in which they performed measurements for structure elucidation.

Prof. Dr. Christian Grosse from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) performed with his research group and together with renowned Egyptian partners around Prof. Dr. Hany Helal measurements on the Great Pyramid of Giza and obtained new data of its constructions.

It was for the first time that a research group combined various measurement techniques based on simulations in the biggest of all pyramids in Giza – also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops. With modern detection devices (Radar, Ultrasound and Electrical Resistivity Tomography), the team was looking for density deviations in the construction that are not visible for the observer from the out- or inside. The measurements can indicate hidden structures of the pyramid that haven’t been discovered yet – without harming the world heritage site physically. Furthermore, the results can help elucidate how the pyramids have been constructed in the first place.

The Egyptian-German measuring team in the King's Chamber of the Pyramid of Khufu with the sarcophagus of Khufu.

The German-Egyptian measuring team was led by Prof. Dr. Hany Helal, Professor at Cairo University and former Minister of Education and State Minister for Scientific Research, and Prof. Dr. Christian Grosse, who holds the Chair of Non-Destructive Testing at TUM. Without the support of the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, the project wouldn’t have succeeded. In the framework of DAAD’s funding scheme, the project was also planned as a training for Egyptian students. They were introduced to new measuring methods and devices in the field.

The project with the title “Non-Destructive Techniques for the Preservation of Egyptian Cultural Heritage” received funding from DAAD’s “German-Egyptian Progress Partnership” programme (line 2: short-term measures) in addition to the International Graduate School of Science and Engineering (IGSSE) by TUM.

German-Egyptian Progress Partnership

The DAAD’s "German-Egyptian Progress Partnership" programme is funded by the Federal Foreign Office (AA). The aim of the short-term measures in the German-Egyptian Progress Partnership is to help create additional opportunities for renewing Egyptian higher education institutions and support them in their efforts to modernise.

The call for the “German-Egyptian Progress Partnership” programme line 2: short-term measures 2021 is currently open (deadline: 31.05.2021). You will find more information about the project funding and the application process here (only in German): Förderprogramme finden - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

Source: New Data about the structure of the Pyramid of Cheops - TUM

TUM also published an interview with Prof. Grosse about his research work in Egypt. Read the interview on the link above.