Scientific investigation on construction materials

Analytical investigations allow the characterization of materials and the definition of the construction techniques and their state of conservation [Campanella 2007]. Great attention must be paid to the materials’ classification, distinguishing original ones from those employed over time, for maintenance or reparation purposes. The purpose of the analytical characterization of the original materials is to identify their composition and frame them within their production, and therefore with the original construction site. Moreover, their state of conservation requires a precise identification in view of the definition of conservation management planning [Della Torre 2018]. To achieve a comprehensive identification of the original construction materials that are present in the building, the intersection of scientific data and bibliographical-historical information, i.e. the description of the construction site and the related documentation, is necessary. The complexity of the structure, together with the multiplicity of materials employed, has led to a critical selection of the construction elements to be investigated. Geometric surveys associated to archival data have proved essential for the definition of the sampling phase. After inspection, construction materials such as travertine, mortars, cements, plasters, linoleum, and clinker have been selected for sampling and/or for in situ investigation in view of the chemical-physical characterization. Sampling has been carried out in full respect of the integrity of the building, preserving its overall aspect. Least invasive solutions have been preferred. The entire sampling process has been documented, providing an appropriate photographic documentation for each phase. Uniquely signed samples are duly organized according to their typology and sampling area. Great effort has been invested to identify the most suitable analytical techniques for the investigation and study of samples. High sensitivity instruments have been preferred to favor minimum sampling, therefore reducing damaging to the minimum [D’Amico 2022]. In case of unavoidable sample cutting, a sample material has been kept aside.