The worksites of the Duomo di Milano: extending the life of a Cathedral

Construction, damage and conservation are intertwined in the life of Milan Cathedral. The evolution of the structural system and the restorations carried out throughout the centuries are described with a particular focus on the case study of the tiburio, with the supporting pillars; these underwent dramatic damage in the XX century, close to collapse, followed by repair and strengthening interventions and the rebirth of the Cathedral. This same part of the monument is currently the object of the latest ongoing restoration interventions, related to service state conditions. The organization of the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano is outlined by the worksite management. The inspection and maintenance are set in relation to the technical activities of other institutions. The aim of all operations for the preservation of the structural safety and cultural identity of the monument up to the present day, is discussed. A discussion is provided for monumental heritage buildings, encompassing structural assessment, reliability evaluation, damage survey, maintenance and repair operations, in relation to the underlying social values.