Non destructive investigation for the conservation design of a monastery near Bergamo (Italy)

The Monastery, placed in San Paolo D’Argon (near Bergamo), was created in 1097 and since then it was subjected to changes and renewals of its original structures. During the past the masonry structures were modified adding new volumes or arranging new interiors. The main problems affecting the structure are shown by an important crack pattern on walls and vaults. In order to verify the state of conservation of the masonry structures, surveys and different non destructive techniques were used. After the geometrical and crack pattern survey, the complementary use of sonic tests and single and double flat jack tests allowed to obtain many information about the morphology of the masonry walls and of their mechanical properties. The results were used to identify the masonry structures which are in a good state of conservation. Following the indications coming out from the analysis the designer could integrate the on-site results with the ones obtained by analytical calculations in order to improve the knowledge of the building.