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Traditional architecture is the result of collective experience in the optimum use of available materials in a given location and adapted to specific conditions and needs. Although forms and groups also depend on other cultural and social issues, the constructive techniques used depend mostly on geographical conditioning factors such as altitude, hydrography, lithology, climate, etc. This text aims to analyse the possible relationships among the multiple variants and specific geographical conditioning factors of each location; in turn, this should provide an understanding of the reasons motivating or reducing their use and the mechanisms adapting these techniques to these conditioning factors. The analysis cross-referenced GIS systems from a database compiling information on 1160 half-timbered walls with a series of themed maps containing information on geographical factors. The conclusions reached show that a single technique adapts to different geographical conditioning factors, giving rise to a wide range of solutions which can provide greater durability and improved habitability. This capacity to adapt to the location is a lesson in sustainability that can be applied at present and is above all part of the intrinsic wealth and value of traditional architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cathedral of Florence is one of the largest churches in the world and is known for one of the most famous domes ever, which characterizes the skyline of the city. The dimensions of the building mean that the dimensions of the roof are equally large and so are the wooden structures that support it. The roof of the cathedral is organized on two levels: the roof of the large central nave and, at a lower level, those of the two lateral naves. The purpose of this paper is the identification of the wood species of which the structures are made. The sampling method of the 408 samples that have been identified is then described, the methods followed to reach a reliable identification and finally the results. The timbers most represented among the structural elements are those of silver fir, chestnut and elm. Other timbers are then found in the other components less directly linked to the main structural parts that make up the trusses. The paper then discusses the technological implications on the use of those woods within the wooden covering structures of the cathedral and the main sources of timber that the builders had available, in particular the Casentino forests that the Municipality of Florence had donated to the structure that managed the construction of the cathedral (Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore—OPA). OPA still exists today and is responsible for the maintenance of the cathedral and other annexed buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present results provided new information on the practice of removing iron from waterlogged wood using chelating agents. Two series of samples were selected: small waterlogged wood samples of Quercus spp., Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus pinaster Aiton, and a portion from the dismantled shipwreck Huguangjiao I. Iron extractions were carried out using disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). Samples were characterized by environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersive energy spectrometry, micro-Raman spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the latter used to evaluate viscoelastic properties. The extraction efficiency of both products was good, although it depended on the wood state of preservation, being higher in more decayed material. Still, the extraction procedures induced a limited effect on the decayed wood tissue, affecting both cell wall chemical composition and physical characteristics. Moreover, a significant difference existed between the two agents. In decayed hardwoods, they had an impact on both E' (decrease) and tanδ (increase), mostly apparent for DTPA. The difference between DTPA and EDTA was also more evident when the frequency was varied in DMA tests. In contrast, the well-preserved softwood was not affected by the considered treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

St Francis of Assisi Church is an historic religious building in the centre of Valletta, Malta's capital. Through analysis of the roof structure we have determined the timber species used in its construction, their state of conservation and the date of different building phases and maintenance work. The study provides an historical and cultural framework for the entire building. Apart from identifying the type of timber and typically English way of construction, dendrochronological dating has revealed two precise phases of intensive restoration, dating to 1681 and 1876, respectively. For both periods, the timber's provenance points to the Eastern Alps, based on dendrochronological master chronologies of European larch (Larix decidua). Furthermore, a single Norway spruce (Picea abies) board from the vault was dated to 1684. This church is a typical example of Maltese culture, intermingled with other cultures that have resulted in a very particular architectural-work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is aimed at showing the results of a work of identification of the wood species used for the construction of the mechanical components of a historic pipe organ. The instrument was built in 1895 in Pistoia (Tuscany, Italy) for a church of a small municipality in the north-west of Tuscany, the summer residence of a family of ancient European nobility; it is therefore a large monumental organ, still original. During the restoration operations, and consequently on the disassembly, it was possible to carry out a complete sampling of the wooden components that are normally not directly accessible. The sampling was performed under the supervision of the restorer, through the cut and drawing of very small samples and with minimally invasive criteria. The identification was performed by observing thin sections, manually cut, by means of an optical microscope. The results of the identification carried out on the 25 samples are reported. The identified timbers are not very numerous and the most represented one is poplar (Populus sp.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]