Frescoes assessment and documentation by IR Thermography

In the scenario of the techniques for improve the knowledge of the state of conservation of frescoes, non destructive tests has a prominent role, and among them the imaging techniques. Infrared thermography was applied to frescoes in the main hall of the Vasari House. Aim of the investigation is to find out information regarding frescoes' building tecniques and structures underneath the plaster, the state of conservation of the surface, and the effectiveness of the restoration that has been already accomplished. Thermal images were shot at transient conditions. A semi-quantitative approach was used to analyse the increase of temperature in funcion of the time of heating. Regarding the structure, obtained results are the visualization of the masonry pattern and infilled arches, the cracks pattern. Moreover, the localization of a stair footprint that does not connect the levels of the existing floors, confirm the hypothesis on the historic evolution of this part of the building.