Prolonging the Durability and Conservation of Historic Materials by Microclimatic Monitoring in the Archaeological Areas

Abstract

Many factors have to be considered for the correct conservation of cultural heritage, in particular, the exposition of the object/site to open air, as the archaeological sites have. The risk factors can be intrinsic (durability of materials, construction and decorative techniques) and extrinsic (environmental and microclimatic conditions). The consideration of the conservation issue regarding the second has to take into account the effects the microclimatic parameters on the objects and the variation of microclimate for the use, as well as the modification due to the improvement of accessibility, safety and installations (for example plant and architecture addition/modification). In fact, the main objective of the conservation/fruition of the archaeological areas is achieving the project choices most integrated, functional and adequate to meet the needs of conservation. Monitoring and diagnostics are a necessary condition to be able to correctly define the design choices. The proposed contribution aims to specify how monitoring the microclimatic values play a fundamental role in the whole process of conservation, since the early study to the management of the site, to ensure the greater conservation and durability of the material and, ultimately, the best fruition at present and in the future.

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