Search

Thermogravimetry coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) has been commonly used in the field of conservation of Cultural Heritage for the study of art objects, especially for the characterisation of inorganic matrixes. In recent years, thermal analyses have been applied to the study of organic painting materials. The advantages of performing TG–DSC are linked to the fact that it is micro-destructive technique which does not require any treatment prior the analysis and provide useful information in relatively short time. The aim of this study is to describe the application of TG–DSC on the study of oil binders used in contemporary paints. Even if synthetic binders have become increasingly popular in the 20th century, many contemporary artists still prefer the more traditional media: drying oils. Although the wish of recalling traditional methods, much practical knowledge in paint preparation by mixing drying oil and pigments and in the behaviour of the mixture has been lost. This is mainly due to the different composition of contemporary materials in comparison with the traditional ones and may sometimes lead to different drying properties of the oil paint formulations and consequent problems in the art creation and conservation. For answer to this artistic need and in particular to the difficulties outlined by artists themselves in producing and employing oil paints, unpigmented and pigmented oil films were studied after a week, 1 and 2 years of natural drying under laboratory conditions. Thermal analyses were performed in air flow: the focus of this research was, in fact, to study the thermal and oxidative behaviours of young films for better understanding the very first processes leading to the formation of the film.

The surfaces of Venetian palaces are a testimony to a long history of maintenance. Documents from nineteenth-century restoration projects assign dates and reveal some reasons for treatments explaining, for example, the use of aggressive cleaning and then the addition of pigments so that the newly restored facade did not appear ‘too white’. Restoration during the twenty-first century has presented the opportunity to study the stone surface of three palaces and their stratigraphy. Three types of layers were identified (pollution deposit, silica/wax treatment and corrosion) which overlay the original stone and show distinct elemental signatures. The texture of the outermost deposit showed that the particle size was greatest when it was derived from areas of greatest exposure to the wind compared with calmer sheltered parts. Waxy treatment layers contained strata that probably derived from the brush used to apply the treatment. These treatment layers were warmer in tone than the superficial deposit or...

The structure of historical “cocciopesto” mortars (utilized in Venice and more generally in the Mediterranean area) have been mimicked with samples of phyllosilicate rich (by 58%) clay heated at different temperatures (between 500 and 700 °C) and treated with lime over a 5-month seasoning period in the air (in the presence of CO2) or alternatively under N2 atmosphere (in the absence of CO2). The structural transformations have been detected with 29Si MAS NMR spectroscopy. Heating converts the crystalline Q3 phyllosilicates into the amorphous Q3am phase. The Q3am phase is partially converted by lime in the presence of CO2 into amorphous Q2am inosilicates, while the Q3 phase remains unchanged. In the absence of CO2, lime converts swiftly the Q3am phase (and more slowly the Q3 phase) into the crystalline Q2 inosilicates and Q1 sorosilicates. As the conditions encountered by historical “cocciopesto” mortars during their secular seasoning are better mimicked by clay treated with lime in the air, the hydraulic properties of the former material are temptatively attributed to the presence of the Q2am phase.

Structural studies to determine the earthquake worthiness of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul have proved that the monument's static and dynamic behavior depends very strongly on the mechanical, chemical and microstructural properties of the mortars and bricks used for the masonry. Hence, the classification of the crushed brick/lime mortars under the category of advanced cement-based composites is concluded, explaining the fact that the monument still stands, as well as the very large static deformations which it has undergone, since such mortars have a very long curing period. According to the analysis of the dynamic data, the first three natural frequencies of the building were determined. These results show a decrease of approximately 5–10% in the natural frequencies, as the amplitude of the accelerations increases and returns to their initial values, due to the non-linear nature of the masonry. The above-mentioned behavior allows the structure to absorb energy without affecting irreversibly its material properties. The determination of the mortar properties indicated that they are of considerable mechanical strength and longevity. The dated mortar samples examined proved to be resistant to continuous stresses and strains due to the presence of the amorphous hydraulic formations (CSH), investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at the crushed-brick powder/binder interfaces and at a sufficient content in the binding matrix, as proved by TG-DTA, which allowed for greater energy absorption without initiations of fractures, let alone the transition of the gel to a higher order of formation. Furthermore, the interpretation of the amorphous nature of the hydraulic formations of the crushed brick/lime mortars is attempted by the experimental validation of real chemical interaction between lime and clay and the characterization of the fundamental structural units of the calcium silicate hydrates, produced by mass spectroscopy.

The facades of the Bank of Greece historic building, mainly consisted of porous stone, gray marble and white pentelic marble, are subjected to an intensive air pollution attack in the center of Athens. A diagnostic study was carried out prior to the cleaning procedures for the weathering evaluation. Weathering appears mainly as black depositions, salt crusts, and oily depositions, due to the heavily polluted urban atmosphere from the nearby traffic. Previous improper cleaning treatment by water spray under high pressure caused detachment of grains and fissuring which were recognized as mechanical abrasion of the surfaces. In this study, a pilot investigation is performed with the intention of evaluating the most appropriate cleaning treatment. Therefore, several cleaning procedures were performed in the laboratory and in situ for the evaluation of methods and products applied on the facades. Both chemical and physical cleaning procedures were applied and they were chosen for their selective action: only water and sepiolite for solvent action, ammonium bicarbonate for exchange action, EDTA for the chemical chelating action and microblasting for physical action were used. In situ non-destructive evaluation was performed by Fiber Optics Microscopy in order to assess the counteractions of each cleaning method to the original surfaces. Digital Image Processing was also used to account for the efficiency of each cleaning method.

This research focuses on the characterization of historical mortars collected from a covered dockyard, called tezone 105, erected in the Arsenal of Venice during the XVI century. The mortars date back to different building phases. A stratigraphical analysis of tezone 105 has proposed a chronology of building interventions. The building phases recognized by the stratigraphical analysis belong to the original structure (XVI century) and to later interventions from XVI to XX century. Mortar samples are investigated by granulometric analysis, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), simultaneous thermal analysis (DSC/TG) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) in order to identify the technology peculiar of each building phase. Mortar sampling was carried out on indoor masonry and foundation. Masonry mortars appeared to be characterized by the application of air-hardening binders, whereas foundation mortars were characterized by hydraulic binders.

Rubble masonry mortars are distinct to the masonry mortar joints due to the different construction techniques used and the prerequisites concerning their behavior in the structure. In the present work, physico-chemical and mineralogical examination of rubble masonry mortars is performed on the development of cohesion and adhesion bonds. A working hypothesis on production technology is deduced consequently. Recent collapses of the rubble masonry at several bastions of the knights' period in the Medieval fortifications of Rhodes allow for sampling. Investigations by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fiber optics microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermogravimetric analysis, porosimetry as well as total soluble salts measurements were performed. Various types of rubble masonry mortars are evidenced and all of them present a very coherent matrix, either ‘cementitious’ or very finely crystallised and compact. From the top to the bottom of the masonry, different microstructural characteristics are observed in the mortar nucleus, indicating different lime-to-aggregates ratios. The microstructural stratification of the cementing material points out different carbonation and drying levels and implies successive supply of water to slake the lime in situ. The evidence of hydraulic components all around the bulk, but not on the outer top of the walls, is of particular interest and proves the in situ slaking of lime as the energy source to activate either hydraulic reactions among lime and clay minerals or the crystallization of portlandite. The high levels of soluble salts measured indicate the mortars' susceptibility to salt decay, specifically when pore size distribution is in favor, as in the case of the modern cement or the pure calcitic mortar, in comparison with the more resistant hydraulic mortars.

The capillary rise effect on brickwork not located along the canals has been studied in previous works in Venice. In the present work, arguments concerning the capillary rise effects on brickwork along the canals are being dealt with. The research program has been developed on walls of different typologies, building materials, historical periods of construction, position and exposure orientation as well as different conditions of maritime traffic. Brick specimens from various points in height and in depth were sampled and underwent physical and chemical examination. In particular, soluble salt concentration, composition and distribution within the wall was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and Ionic Chromatography. Various salts present were identified by FT-IR, while TG-DTA was employed to identify thermal decomposition products. Porosity, as a significant physical parameter for the physico-chemical phenomena, was measured by a mercury porosimeter. The results conclude that the phenomenon of capillary rise is very advanced, due to higher values of soluble salts in comparison with walls not in direct contact with the canals, and mechanical action is increasing the integral porosity.

The maintenance of stone buildings aims to preserve artefacts, to reduce the economic management costs and to extend the lifetime of the restoration interventions. Up to now, there are no clear regulations regarding useful parameters which can be used for evaluating the efficiency of surface treatments for the consolidation and protection of stone. The main goal of this work is to identify possible important "chemical-physical parameters" and their threshold limit values. In this context, the determination of the surface water absorption and colour variation may be important tools for the control and the monitoring over time of the state of conservation of the architecture stone surfaces. These parameters are strongly related not only to the surface conservation state but also to products efficiency. Moreover, they can be easily measured at low cost by specifically trained personnel. Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155/b, 30172 Venice, Italy.

The study of traditional mortars has recently been attracting considerable attention, in connection with both diagnosis and applications required for restoration. The mortar is only apparently a simple system; in reality the lime is often accompanied by hydraulic components. The inerts often interact with the binder and the technologies used in the application are very diversified. These situations make the study of the mixtures rather complex, as it is difficult to distinguish the neoformation compounds from the older ones. A basic approach is offered by granulometric analysis, allowing separation of the mortar into its components, in which the finer fraction is richer in binder. Some analyses on this fraction ( μ m) were performed to define the nature and quantity of the binder in the mortar. Samples were taken from various sites in Venice and were examined by calcimetry, TG-DTG and FTIR analysis. Moreover the investigation of this fraction by optical microscopy enabled us to distinguish the binder from the inert particles.

The present work focuses on the investigation of mortar joints of historic masonries consisting traditionally of aerial binder and inerts which contain lumps. The presence of lumps, usually white in colour and of various dimensions, was often recorded inside these mixtures and does not appear to be random, as they are rather frequent, These lumps could confer some physicochemical properties to the mixture, that favour the overall compatibility of the system. For this purpose, various samples taken from historic Venetian masonry were examined by TG-DTG and FTIR analysis. Moreover SEM and fibre optical microscope observations were performed. The results indicate mainly the presence of completely carbonated lime and lead us to assume that the lumps arise from technologies based on the non-seasoning of the lime.

In this study some results on the reactivity of silicatic consolidants employed for the conservation of valuable artistic and cultural porous materials are discussed. In particular, a colloidal suspension of silica made by particles with an average diameter of 10–15 nm, a sodium silicate and an ethyl silicate consolidant are studied. The chemical–physical characterization of xerogels achieved from the examined products were carried out determining the superficial area (BET method) and the average dimension of particles (SAXS) while the chemical structure of xerogels were investigated through NMR MAS spectroscopy of the 29 Si nucleus. The investigation on reactivity between silica and stone support was executed by mixing consolidants with calcite and quartz powder to simplify as much as possible the system otherwise very complex. On silica produced by the three examined consolidants structural differences are revealed and these diversities can be responsible for the dissimilar reactivity of the silicatic systems towards the stone, in particular with regard to the carbonatic component.

We have evaluated the effects of condensed water on limestone surfaces through a procedure that foresaw the cooling of the samples before their exposition to the open air, so that the condensation phenomena could occur easily. The effects of the condensed water were evaluated by measuring the weight change of the samples, through SEM observations and analysis of the 3-D profile, using laser profilometer. The results show the weak action of condensed water on the stone surface, particularly if compared with that of rain.

The study of the interaction between silica glass and saturated Ca(OH) 2 solutions can be a useful approach to resolve the problem of the adhesion between lime-sand mortar and clay bricks. Since it is reasonable that the silica–calcium hydroxide system well simulates a brick–mortar system, experimental observations concerning the interaction of silica glass and this strong basic solution should be of value for the comprehension of the chemical reactions that could take place at the mortar–brick interface, maybe affecting the adhesion between the two building materials. We demonstrated the effects of saturated Ca(OH) 2 solutions on commercial pure silica glass (fused silica) and on silica films obtained via a sol–gel process by means of dip-coating. Silica samples were dipped in the solutions at different temperatures (room temperature, 60 and 80 °C) and at different time intervals (1 and 21 h) and then they were analysed by means of surface techniques: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). It has been shown that Ca(OH) 2 reacts with the silica glass network. The experimental results clearly show a very different behaviour of sol–gel silica with respect to fused silica, probably because of their different nanostructure. Many problems concerning the interaction of silica and Ca(OH) 2 are still to be solved, but the results of this research strengthen the idea that adhesion between lime-sand mortar and clay bricks is caused not only by carbonation of calcium hydroxide contained in the mortar, but even by some chemical reactions involving the brick constituents and calcium hydroxide itself. The final products, calcium silicates, may induce a chemical continuity between lime-sand mortar and clay bricks.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the method for the study of the effects of condensation on limestone surfaces. The results of condensation characterization in a lake environment indicate rather low pH values, in various cases lower than 6. The bicarbonate ion contents correspond to the pH. The ion concentration regarded as representative of both condensation and its effect on stone surfaces was evaluated. The evaluations were recorded by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Initial results indicate effects related to the direct action of acidic substances, particularly dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to the recrystallization of calcite into smaller crystals. The results obtained from the condensation analysis in the Venice area indicate that it contains significant amounts of HCO3- ions, while other ions generally included in the “polluting” category (SO2 and NOx) are not present in particularly high concentrations. On the other hand, chloride ions (CI-) and sodium ions (Na+), which are characteristics of sea aerosol, were detected. Thus, the determination of pH is very important in indicating the intensity of the interaction between condensation and stone.

In previous works the mineralogical and physico-chemical properties of crushed brick-lime mortars in response to stresses, simulating earthquakes or dynamic soil structure interactions, were studied. It was proved that the effective mechanical properties of the mortars could be attributed to the alkali-silicate reactions occurring at the brick fragment-lime interface. Since the category of the pozzolanic mortars presents a wide spectrum, spanning from the crushed brick to various cementitious mortars, the idea was to study the effectiveness of other hydraulic mortars as well. The Symonos Petra Monastery at Mount Athos was selected for investigation as pilot monument, because in our previous works it was found to be scientifically sound. The mortars were analysed following a procedure correlating chemical and instrumental analysis to determine CaCo 3 CaOsil . TA, IR, SEM and EDX were performed and tensile strength and adhesion was measured. The amounts of Ca ++ and Mg ++ were determined by AAS. Old mortars, from the Arsenal tower (16th c.) present higher tensile strengths than traditional hydraulic lime mortars and are effective against dynamic stresses exerted onto the greater Serbomacedonian mass as well as against the intense marine environment. Fine ground magnesium-alumino-silicate dust of the montmorillonitic clays in the area could have been mixed in a ratio of 2 ( 1 5 ) of lime/‘pozzolanic’ or active clay admixtures/inert aggregates reacted with the in situ slaked lime, their hydraulic components augmenting considerably with Mg ++ . Hence Arsenal mortars present an intermediary between Roman and modern concrete for marine structures produced by hot lime technology.

Structural studies to determine the earthquake worthiness of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul have proved that the monument's static and dynamic behavior depends very strongly on the mechanical and chemical properties of these mortars and bricks used in its masonry. So, the cementrtious nature of the mortars not only explains the fact that the monument still stands but also the very large static deformations which it has undergone, since such mortars have a very long curig period from one to two years. According to the analysis of the dynamic data, the strong motion data from a 4.8R magnitude earthquake about 120 Km south of the building was used to determine the first three natural frequencies of the building. These results show a decrease of about 5–10% in the natural frequencies, as the amplitude of the accelerations increases and returns to their initial values, due to the non-linear nature of the masonry. The above mentioned behavior allows the structure to absorb energy without effecting its material properties, irreversibly. The properties of the mortars and bricks leaded to an extensive study, employing several experimental techniques (FOM, OM, XRD, SEM, TEM, TG/DTA). The results indicated mortars with considerable mechanical strength along with longevity. The model used proved to be resistant to the environmental pollution and to the presence of sah, while the gel phase as binder allows for greater energy absorption and the compatibility of the mortar to the original ones allows continuous stresses and strains. Hence, the recreation of the Hagia Sophia is attempted through a reverse engineering approach to simulate the historical mortars.

In the present study the possible chemical interactions among the constituents of historical walls have been investigated. In Venice but also in the whole mediterranean area the “cocciopesto” (constituted of powder and brick fragments which traditionally confer hydraulic properties to the mortar) has been widely employed both for mortars and the so called “marmorino” plasters. The work has been developed by examing the brick-mortar interaction on historical buildings in Venice. The samples were chemically analysed through XPS and XPSImaging techniques in order to ascertain the chemical composition of the interface layers. The results clearly indicate that a true chemico-physical interaction between brick and lime is present in the historical materials. A calcium carbonate accumulation has been observed at the brickmortar interface.

The aim of the present work is to compare the protective effect of solvent and water dispersed products on marble, Lecce and Istria stones. This choice is justified by the need of products effective also from the ecological and toxicological point of view. To obtain these informations two tests have been chosen: contact angle and water absorption. The contact angle may, in theory, be considered a measure of the water repellency, since complete wetting implies a contact angle of 0° and absolutely no wetting an angle of 180°. This does not apply to the water absorption by capillarity test because the absorption variation may be caused by either the water repellency action of the treatments or by the pore filling. However this test may give practical information about the general effect of the treatments. Moreover, the effect of treatments on permeability was investigated by vapour permeability test. Protective effect was studied after application of the products and at various stages of artificial weathering.

Cleaning treatments necessary for stone conservation consist of removing compounds that were superimposed on the original material by means of physico-chemical processes.,The purpose of this work is to identify the transformation of stone surface by the LASER treatment. Cleaning test on Istria stone with LASER radiation at different energies and in different regimes have been performed. The depletion of the original material has been evaluated by means of SEM microprobe analyses.

Different decay mechanisms, according to the exposure to rain actions, have been identified on a series of Istria stone samples derived from the Venetian buildings. Enquiries have been carried out on these samples by means of porosity measurements and chemical analysis in depth. In order to identify the decay mechanisms and their.kinetics, simulation tests have been,performed on exposed samples of Istria stone for a period of 19 months. These specimens have been analysed by several techniques in order to verify the chemical dissolution of limestone provoked by the rain action. The initial chemical attack on the exposed samples has been pointed out by XPS and RBS micro-analytical techniques.

The present study is directed to summarize several studies carried out in the recent past on stone decay processes taking place in the lagoon environment of Venice. The behaviour of the main types of stones used in Venetian buildings has been considered.Istrian stone, Verona red stone and Carrara marble were studied.The knowledge of the porosity and of the pore size distribution can contribute to clarify the physical transformation of decayed materials.The research determined the morphology of stone decay processes for the different types of stone.As far as the morphology of deterioration is concerned, there are two main types of decay which depend on the intrinsic properties of the stone: chemical-mineralogical composition and texture-structure.

The hydrido-1,3-di- p -tolyltriazenido complex of platinum(II) trans -[Pt(PPh 3 ) 2 H( p -CH 3 C 6 H 4 NNNC 6 H 4 CH 3 - p )] reacts with CO, 2,6-Me 2 C 6 H 3 NC, PPh 3 and PhCCPh under mild conditions to yield platinum(0) complexes by reductive elimination of 1,3-di- p -tolyltriazene.

Summarization: To evaluate the effects of the environment on weathering of monuments of Istria stone in Venice, systematic mineralogical, petrographical and elemental analyses of depth profiles were performed on samples of surficial crusts (dendritic black, compact black, grey and white). Decay products of deposition and interactions between gases and stone, including wind blown dust, marine salts, anthropic aerosol, gypsum and nitrates, are incorporated into the mineral matrix down to a depth of 10 mm. In areas sheltered from rain, where black and grey crusts are observed, the high general humidity, carbonaceous particles and deposition of aerosols lead to the development of gypsum and other salts. In compact and grey crusts decay products decrease; in grey crusts carbonaceous particles are reduced, but in compact black crust products of previous treatments are found. In white crusts, formed in areas experiencing effective wash-out, chemical and mechanical attack cause surface recession. Παρουσιάστηκε στο: Atmospheric Environment

In the present study several cleaning procedures were taken into account: microblasting, ammonium carbonate, EDTA, etc. The various cleaning procedures were applied to Venetian Istria stone manufacture. The performance evaluation of the various procedures employed was accomplished by measuring the following significant parameters, before and after treatment: colour change through the CIELab method, surface morphology through a fiber optical microscope (MFO) and analysis of the different chemical action of the employed procedures.

The mortars and `cocciopesto' plasters were largely used in the historic buildings, as waterproof coverings and in the preparation of mortars, especially in horizontal structures. In recent years, the necessity of restoration interventions with materials which are compatible with the masonry structure requires a detailed study on these materials. In this study, the composition of a significative number of mortars of the Byzantine period in the Hagia Sophia Basilica are investigated. They were made of `cocciopesto' (crushed ceramic) and probably have a bearing function in the masonry structure. The samples are examined by particle size, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analyses (TG-DTG), both on the total sample and on the finer fraction (

Summarization: Samples of Istria stone were exposed in rain-washed conditions for 6 and 18 months, in the industrial and marine environment of Venice. To assess the initial stages of weathering, the exposed samples were analyzed by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and other analytical techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS). Within a 6-month period, XPS revealed the deposition of sulfates, calcium silicates, carbonaceous particles, nitrogen compounds and organic compounds of lead, fluorine and chlorine. After an 18-month exposure period, the exposed surface exhibited pollutant compounds of sulfates, fluorine and nitrogen along with new-formed pollutant compounds of phosphorus and zinc. The appearance of silicon, aluminum and iron compounds indicates either dissolution of the argillaceous inclusions of the carbonate matrix or deposition of air-borne particles. The other applied analytical techniques evidence alteration features related more to morphological modification and less to chemical changes. Therefore, XPS revealing deposition of typical components of atmospheric pollution, as well as either deposition or dissolution of soil-derived and intrinsic elements evidences the initial weathering rate of exposed Istria stone to rain action. Παρουσιάστηκε στο: Journal of Cultural Heritage

The archaeological area of Pompeii is known throughout the world for having been submerged for sixteen centuries and for still being the subject of excavation works to highlight it, as well as to ensure that rain and rainwater can conceal or damage what has emerged from the subsoil again. Pozzuoli and the entire Flegrean area since ancient times have a constantly evolving geographical outline. The phenomenon of bradyseism mainly affects the relationship between land and sea. The raising and lowering of the water and the consequent human intervention over the centuries lead to focus the attention on the current actions to safeguard the several testimonies of the past exposed to these risks. Instead, more recent is the casual discovery of traces of a prehistoric hut settlement, on the suburbs of the ancient city of Nola, during the excavation phase for the foundations of a shopping centre. The cavities identified in the preliminary geological investigation phase, have made possible to obtain the shape and size of some huts and the connection spaces between them. Again, the burial of the entire village would have been caused by water. The aim of the contribution is to investigate these three cases, in the Neapolitan metropolitan area, where large parts of ancient architectural sites had been obliterated due to or with the help of rainwater, as for Pompeii. The conditions that generated the burial of the three sites will be compared with those that the discovery has produced, highlighting the problems and critical issues as well as the solutions adopted to prevent water from damaging the undisclosed assets. The issue of water governance in archaeological sites is therefore considered crucial to ensure the protection and to contain the degradation of the assets highlighted and the solutions adopted up to now will be presented.

The paper deals with flooding-driven emergency situations and related managerial issues in archaeological contexts. The essay takes into consideration possible damages due to the interaction between water and cultural heritage materials, with a focus on the skills required to the operators called to intervene. The complex of Santa Croce, in Ravenna, encompasses a Church (5th century AD) and the remains of a Roman domus decoratedwith mosaic floor. In August 2019, the archaeological area was flooded for, at the time, unknown reasons leading to the overgrowing of algae. Studies and surveys undertaken by the local Soprintendenza since 1993 demonstrated that the water criticalities of the site are linkable to the phenomenon of subsidence and, maybe, to the increasing pressure of the aquifers affecting the level of groundwater. The water emergency was solved thanks to the water pumping interventions carried out by the Municipality of Ravenna and Civil Protection volunteers, while the Soprintendenza took charge of the securing operations and cleaning of the site. This contribution will provide a discussion upon methodologies and tools that have been selected to solve the flood emergency and the effectiveness of the surveys conducted in the preliminary phase. In line with the European project H2020 SHELTER and its expected outcomes, achieved results will provide a preliminary assessment of the site criticalities, also contributing to the establishment of new food for thought regarding the management of flooding and hydrogeological risks in archaeological areas.

Addressing the Portuguese context, the paper aims to focus on a singular program of rehabilitation and reuse of buildings - monasteries, castles or palaces - in hotels (Pousadas), promoted by ENATUR in articulation with the heritage safeguarding organizations (DGEMN and IPPAR). Framed by an innovative political project of national tourism, the experience of the Pousadas explores the re-use topic as a strategy for preservation built heritage, sometimes abandoned and in a poor conservation status. In this regard, the paper will examine some interventions realized since the 70s of the XXth century, in a cultural climate determined by the revision of architectural practice which combines contemporary architecture with concepts such as tradition, place and context: the projects of Fernando Távora for the Pousada of Santa Marinha da Costa (1975-1985), in Guimarães, the intervention of Alcino Soutinho for the Pousada of D. Dinis in Vila Nova de Cerveira (1972-1982) and finally, of Eduardo Souto de Moura, the Pousada of Santa Maria do Bouro in Amares (1989-1997). The presented case studies aim to show the heterogeneous nature of each intervention, in an attempt to detect the variety of possible design approaches in reuse and rehabilitation. The critical approach to interventions, linked with the analysis of use and behavior of the structures - old and new – over time, offers, after years, a reflection about the adequacy of management and occupation.

In the 11th century, the monk Albert, abbot of the Benedictine monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary of Stade, travelled to Rome in order to meet Pope Gregory IX. A detailed description of places and routes of this long pilgrimage is conserved at the Herzog August library in Wolfenbuttel, which has allowed the identification of the stages of the journey from Germany to Rome. Today, the Italian section of the Via Romea di Stade (or Alpe di Serra, or simply Germanic) is one of the most interesting excursion and pilgrimage routes leading to Rome. The route, rediscovered at the beginning of this century, has become a part of the real intermodal infrastructure of greenways, wanted by MiBAC in 2016. Many of these ancient routes are characterized by buildings and villages in a state of ruin. The Castrum Planetti, located in the municipality of Galeata (FC), is an example of this. A fortified settlement dating back to the 13th century, it stands along the Apennine stretch of the Via Romea di Stade, which was abandoned in the 18th century following the loss of importance of the valley floor road network. The essay presents a series of studies conducted by a research unit of the Department of Architecture of the University of Bologna, shared with local administrations and entrepreneurs, aimed at identifying strategies for the use of the historical-architectural heritage in abandonment, that integrate the protection of the asset with the system of material and immaterial values of the context of reference. An enhancement of a territory and its disused historical and cultural testimonies, obtained thanks to the recognition of new opportunities in them, or co-evolutionary potentials, based on new economic models, probably contrary to the processes that have led to the disowning and abandonment of these places.

Il contributo affronta il tema dell’abbandono di architetture minori e in particolare di piccoli edifici sorti in epoca fascista. Il riuso di tali architetture equivale a riconoscerle quale risorsa necessaria per garantire la sopravvivenza di un patrimonio che altrimenti andrebbe perso, diventando rifiuto e andando ad alimentare quel senso di disagio diffuso nei confronti di politiche e amministrazioni locali. Concetti come “paesaggio complesso” e rete guidano la costruzione di nuovi usi compatibili con una idea di spazio diversificato, adattivo e resiliente, in accordo con una visione del territorio capace di fare fronte alle mutate condizioni idrogeologiche e climatiche e alle molteplici istanze sociali ed economiche. Luoghi, identità, conoscenze, capitale umano, valori, risorse territoriali e reti, diventano insieme vincoli, requisiti e obiettivi di progetto. Un progetto “situato”, non replicabile, ma che, al tempo stesso, fa riferimento a una logica di standardizzazione del processo di trasformazione indispensabile a raggiungere quei criteri di efficienza, di ottimizzazione e di sostenibilità rivolti a definire i caratteri dell’habitat futuro.

1961-1963: L’imprenditore designer Dino Gavina, nel 1961, incaricava Carlo Scarpa di realizzare un negozio/vetrina al piano terra di un edificio storico nel cuore di Bologna. Il Negozio Gavina, da subito indagato dalla critica, si caratterizzava, all’esterno, per la presenza di una grande piastra in calcestruzzo armato, lavorata a scalpello, segnata dalle due oblò-vetrine in cristallo e da bande in foglia d’oro: una sorta di “gigantesca targa”, coincidente con i limiti di proprietà, che scatenò immediate polemiche nella città di Alfonso Rubbiani. L’interno del Negozio Gavina, la cui articolazione spaziale assecondava la funzione espositiva, era protetto da una bussola in abete giapponese, cristallo e padouk, chiusa da un cancelletto in cilindri in teak; le pareti interne vennero ‘rasate a calce’ mentre i pilastri rifiniti con materiali e colori diversi, dal cemento battuto, allo stucco color cobalto al bianco-calce, alla plastica nera, una fontana in cemento con il fondo in mosaico, opera di Mario De Luigi, rifletteva, in fondo al negozio, la luce che piove dall’alto. - 1998-1999: Il negozio Gavina, poi Simon-Gavina, superato un periodo di inattività, diviene “Hoffmann”, negozio di giocattoli d’arte. I nuovi locatari, sia pure stretti nei criteri commerciali, decisero di far eseguire una serie di opere di ‘manutenzione specialistica’ dell’opera di Scarpa. Il periodo di abbandono, una carente manutenzione e alcune evidenti manomissioni avevano infatti originato un diffuso e significativo ammaloramento del negozio, con depositi superficiali (di varia natura), patine biologiche e alterazioni cromatiche nonché distacchi e lacune su intonaci e finiture, peraltro oggetto di inadeguati ‘rappezzi’. A dispetto delle contenute risorse economiche, furono eseguiti studi e analisi per «la determinazione della composizione degli strati di coloritura in pasta o semplice tinteggiatura superficiale» prima di intraprendere le necessarie operazioni di «pulitura critica», consolidamento e «reintegrazione plastica e cromatica», che vennero autorizzate dalla locale Soprintendenza BAA e dagli eredi di Scarpa. - 2017-2018: Il contributo, a distanza di circa vent’anni dall’ultimo restauro, intende descrivere la sorprendente consistenza materiale di quest’opera bolognese di Scarpa, puntualmente rivelata dallo stesso cantiere di restauro; verificare, ad adeguata distanza di tempo, lo stato di conservazione degli interventi allora messi in atto, la loro efficacia segnalando le eventuali criticità; sottolineare qualora ve ne fosse ancora bisogno, quanto una sistematica e competente attività di conoscenza, vigilanza e manutenzione/conservazione rimanga sempre la migliore garanzia di sopravvivenza per le opere d’arte, in termini sia materiali che funzionali (ovvero, di corretto funzionamento del loro testo), anche per le opere contemporanee.

This study aims to verify the possibility to extend to the construction industry, the strategies implemented in order to monitor an historic building’s mircroclimate, Villa Barbaro to be specific, built in Maser between 1554 and 1560 by the architect Andrea Palladio. Data obtained from the monitoring enabled to proceed with the virtual modelling necessary to control the physic behaviour of the indoor microclimate through thermo/fluid-dynamic simulations, allowing the elaboration of some hypothesis, finalized to increase the level of comfort for the visitors and guarantee the conservation of the building and the goods guarded inside. The methodology adopted is extremely simple and not expensive, both in terms of purchase and positioning of the probes or gathering and managing data; therefore it is possible to imagine a wide extension of the method. All these information permit to forecast the percentage of microclimatic risk and to evaluate the level of comfort perceived by visitors. Together with monitoring, an oriented reading of “The Four Books of Architecture” has been done, in order to find the passages in which Andrea Palladio provides indications and suggestions that could somehow have a “microclimatic value”. The strength of the proposed methodology lies in the possibility to pre-emptively define, throughout a virtual building model, which actions could aid the preservation of the good, avoiding the risk component that would be taken working on the original.

“It is undeniable that infesting vegetation settling in monumental sites is a paramount cause of degradation” (Bettini,1996).The soundness of this assumption and the reliability of the following consolidated design and management practices for archaeological sites is definite.Nevertheless since several years, multidisciplinary researches and investigations are carried out, aiming to redefine the role of vegetation in conservation projects for archeological areas.Since the 18° century, some attempts at landscaping archaeological sites have been practiced, but only in exceptional cases, strategies for controlled and compatible management of vegetation have been taken into consideration. The influence of the vegetation framework on the conservation of ruins was taken even less into account: the only documented exception in Italy is Giacomo Boni’s theoretical and practical work in Rome, dating back to the 19° and 20° centuries.The contribution we would like to present comes from a wider interdisciplinary research on the topics of design and active conservation of archaeological landscapes, carried out by the authors. The main goal of the paper is to highlight the necessity to review the maintenance practices, normally applied to archeological sites, such as the complete and non-selective removal of existing vegetation, without regard for the species and without considering the index of dangerousness and actual invasive processes of each plant. Instead, the paper will demonstrate how an appropriate, compatible and well-managed vegetation framework could contribute to the preservation of ruins.

This paper aims at investigating advantages and disadvantages of the use of wire meshes as means of support for false ceilings plaster. We investigate the development of the conditions of use of wire meshes between XIX and XX century by comparing two kind of data: on the one hand, those found out in historical building manuals, and on the other hand, those obtained by the study of some cases belonging to historical Emilia-Romagna theaters. In particular, we examine the benefits that the XX century authors of manuals and false-ceilings restorations foresaw and the inconveniences that they couldn’t predict: their stability and the major resistance to earthquakes, the phenomenon of surface deposits and diffuse stains on stucco as a consequence of chemical degradation. Finally, we present some hypothesis based on the results of chemical laboratory analysis on mortar samples of two selected case study, in order to provide a qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical interactions between lime mortar and wire meshes.

The paper aims to investigate the issues related to the restoration of the architectural structures in iron, worked in the foundry and realized with the use of historical matrixes. The particular condition of reproducibility of constituent elements has often caused, over time, their replacement, rather than the preservation of the existing. The research proposal will deal with the case of the Cassa Armonica (Bandstand) of the Villa Reale in Naples, designed by Enrico Alvino in 1862 within the Real Passeggio of Chiaia. Today the building presents a state of advanced deterioration caused by corrosion of the iron elements and lack of maintenance. This situation has had a recent progressive worsening following the renovation of the Villa and the construction of a new metro station nearby. After the America’s Cup 2012, setted in the seafront of the Villa, the large crowning of the Music Box, made in cast iron and colored glass, that characterized the image of the main axis of the Villa, was dismantled and deposited in the building yard of the metro. These conditions have impacted on the public enjoyment of the building and have raised issues related to the need for a restoration aimed at preserving the architectural elements of the Music Box without replace the iron structure. The easy reproducibility of the metallic elements of the building, that today is possible to get thanks to industrial techniques, should not be, in any way, a viable solution for the restoration work

During World War II, Rimini underwent bombings that destroyed 82% of the old town centre. At the end of 1944, the Swiss Worker Aid undertook the realisation of a first aid centre for the population. Until today this complex still hosts the Italian-Swiss Educational Centre (CEIS), thanks to the technological qualities of the buildings and to constant and sustainable maintenance work carried out with minimal intervention. A research unit from the University of Bologna, in collaboration with the Margherita Zoebeli Foundation, is currently carrying out a study regarding the whole CEIS complex, its buildings and its relationship within an historical and environmental context. The proposed essay is the result of this research, which represents an example of how the word “sustainability” can be interpreted. Our purpose is to interpret the sustainability in terms of “I care” (in the English sense of the word), i.e. respect in the use and maintenance of the existing cultural heritage. The research focuses on the analysis of the functional and material consistence of the barracks, with a specific reference to the effects registered on the indoor microclimate due to the dynamic behaviour of the building envelope and to the fruition of these spaces. Therefore the main aim of the research has been the individuation of those little expedients able to guarantee a sustainable use of the buildings, reducing their deterioration and consequently defining a repertory of (perfectly) sustainable strategies such as, for example, small additions rather than replacements, in order to assure comfort inside each barrack.

L'articolo è incentrato sul progetto di restauro e recupero dell'Anfiteatro romano di Tivoli. Abbandonato e dimenticato per molti anni, esso costituisce una parte essenziale del patrimonio culturale della città, integrato da monumenti quali la Villa d'Este, la Rocca Pia (il cui recupero sarà completato a breve) e le Scuderie Estensi. Il restauro dell'Anfiteatro pone, infatti, questioni interessanti, legate non soltanto alla conservazione del sito archeologico, ma anche alla sua comprensione, interpretazione e presentazione al pubblico (mediante ricostruzioni parziali), così inerenti agli uso compatibili. The paper is focused on the project of restoration and recovery of the Roman Amphitheatre in Tivoli. Abandoned and forgotten for many years, it is an essential part of the cultural heritage of the city, consisting in monuments such as the Villa d'Este, the Rocca Pia (whose recovery will be completed soon) and the Scuderie Estensi. Its restoration arises, in fact, interesting questions related not only to the preservation of the archaeological site, but also to its understanding, interpretation and presentation to the public (partial reconstructions), as well as to its compatible use.