A multidisciplinary approach on planning restoration works for historical buildings

The deterioration of stone buildings has particularly drawn the attention of scientists due to the need for protection, especially because of the complexity of relationship between different biological, chemical and physical agents of degradation. In fact it is well known that the deterioration can be attributed to the presence of water and/or moisture in the porous materials, that occurs in water-damaged and humid buildings. Moreover the distribution of moisture within stone depends on not suitable environmental condition, and/or on the presence of wet buried structures in the ground. Hence high resolution projects were undertaken in order to achieve as more detailed possible knowledge of the indoor and subsoil conditions in two buildings of cultural importance (the crypt of the Cathedral of Otranto, Apulia-South Italy, and the crypt of the Abbey of Montecorona, Perugia, Northern Umbria-Italy). Those projects were developed integrating different non destructive techniques (Microclimatic and Geophysical). The results of the two proposed case studies permit us to stress that the issues followed in the choice of these methodologies of investigation is particularly important when we have to describe, as completely as possible, a scenario of valuable artistic importance. This approach appears well suited not only for the diagnosis of environmental damage but also in planning correct conservation works, both to be satisfied for ensuring a longer life to monumental buildings.