Architectural survey techniques for degradation diagnostics. An application for the cultural heritage

Abstract

The great technological development in recent years in the field of architectural survey has made possible increasingly expeditious and less invasive investigations with the aim of acquiring a series of data related to the asset and fundamental for the protection of cultural heritage. In addition, the synergy between the various techniques represents an added value able, not only, to fill possible gaps and lacks arising from application limits of the instruments, but also to enhance the peculiarities of the same. This paper presents an integrated survey activity (range-based, image-based and IR thermography techniques) aimed at applying the combination and collaboration of multiple sensors for the analysis and study of historical buildings as well as for the generation of digital repository to support current and future investigations. In particular, the attention has been on the Chiesa dell'Annunziata located in the municipality of Sessa Aurunca in the province of Caserta (Italy). By carrying out a systematic process of survey, colorimetric-material analysis and thermographic investigations, the work has allowed to identify the main forms of degradation that characterize the structure and the causes that generate it. The work conducted through the combination of multiple technologies demonstrates, once again, the importance of synergy and integrations between several instrumentations useful for the documentation of the built heritage, characterized by complex analyses and investigations based on increasingly interdisciplinary approaches.