On-site and laboratory diagnostic investigations on Construction Materials and Cultural Heritage

In order to carry out a correct restoration intervention, general knowledge is not sufficient, but it is necessary to recognize the building type, conduct case-by-case analyzes and study the exact nature and specific causes of the damage and degradation. The first step to be taken in the context of a conservation intervention will therefore consist of a series of specific scientific operations and investigations. The Laboratory of Diagnostics and Investigation of Materials of the Built Heritage (DIBHM) of the Polytechnic of Milan has been active since 1940, and carries out tests on materials and masonry, for research and teaching purposes as well as consultancy for public and private bodies and industries. The research activity is focused on on-site and laboratory diagnostic investigations on building materials and cultural heritage. These activities include chemical-physical and mechanical tests on building materials (lime and cement mortars, stone and ceramic materials) and on-site investigations on masonry. On-site diagnostic investigations on historic masonry buildings include both non-destructive and slightly destructive tests. A restoration intervention can be seen divided into different phases in temporal succession: Geometric survey and survey of degradation and structural damage. Historical research, stratigraphy, sampling and characterization of materials, humidity evaluation through non-destructive and/or semi-destructive tests and durability tests.