From knowledge to conservation. Integrated methods of analysis regarding an historical monument

Our research is grounded on the firm belief that the knowledge process is the essential foundation of the conservation project. Thus, settling the issue of the knowledge of historical handmade articles consists in the accomplishment of integrated analysis methodologies, which will lead to face a substantial operational modification, as well as a change in method, and culture. This aspect of the matter affects the permanent and crucial necessity of using survey techniques based mainly on non-destructive analytical and experimental models, such as, thermo-graphic and sonic surveys, as well as evaluations on the features of materials. However, it also influences the modern and sophisticated IT techniques which support the general survey. The aim is, thus, to define a work methodology which can experiment advanced models in the management of the acquired information; this way we can reach a thorough, coherent, and integrated knowledge of the monument, which will help us in choosing the right conservation intervention and the correct project, and will also be a tester of the adopted solutions. Such a study methodology has been experimentally applied to several research activities carried out at present in the Laboratory of Science and Technique for Engeneering and Project (STEP), Department of Building Engineering and Territory of the University of Pavia. The common background idea of these projects lies in the attempt to focus on an integrated survey methodology in order to reach a thorough comprehension of the monument through a general survey, the mapping of the current situation of deterioration, and the monitoring of the residual performance levels of the architectonic handicraft thanks to mainly non-destructive diagnosis approaches.