Development of diagnostic methods and strategies

Research focus

The Peer review has evaluated this group as Excellent

Up to now most of the ND procedure can give only qualitative results; furthermore in absence of specific codes; calibration of the NDT is always needed for the specific application depending on the masonry typology. Nevertheless, the most important step of the investigation consists in the evaluation of the results and in their use for the structural analysis and for the damage interpretation. The group activity touches several aspects of the diagnostic process: - development of tools for enhanced prediction and prevention of structural and/or environmental damages to Cultural Heritage and its evolution. The potential of some measurement methods is improved by the development of new equipment or the modification of existing devices. - development of a new methodology using non-destructive, innovative and effective structural investigation of Cultural Heritages in an economic way. - development of a methodology for the combination and integration of non-destructive testing methods and monitoring systems in order to reach the goal of evaluating the state of conservation and its evolution in time. The research subjects can be summarised: - Durability of masonry materials, protective and consolidant surface treatments (since 1978); - Stochastic models for the study of the durability of materials and structures (since 1980); - Non-destructive and slightly destructive investigations (radar, sonic, flat jack methods, boroscopy) for the diagnosis of masonry structures and effectiveness evaluation of the repair techniques (since 1980); - Characterisation of ancient mortars in order to produce similar and compatible new mortar for repairing and consolidation (since 1990); - Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of the long term and fatigue mechanical behaviour of massive existing masonries (towers, retaining walls, pillars, since 1990); - Radar and sonic tomography (since 1996); - Investigation and survey of historic centres for the study of their seismic vulnerability and for the implementation of analytical methods (since 1997); - Investigation on archeological sites and conservation of monuments in Vietnam (in coop. Fondazione Lerici, since 2000)

Dipartimento di afferenza

Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale (DIS)

Docenti afferenti

Full Professors
Luigia Binda
Luigi Zanzi
Assistant Professors
Antonella Saisi
Giuliana Cardani
Alberto Drei