1. Preliminary investigation 2. Restoration of stony elements 3. Restoration of the plasters 4. Restoration of metal elements
scroll artworks









Operations procedure
Madonna della Salute
Church








Preliminary investigation





The first step for the realization of the project was the investigation campaign which allows to get all the necessary information. The analysis led to the understanding of the original executable technique and materials used in previous interventions, as well as the state of conservation of the original and non-original materials on the artifact.

Throughout a general and detailed photographic work with professional digital cameras, as well as thanks to the photogrammetric analysis with laser scanner, a qualitative and quantitative representation of the spatial distribution of the phenomena of alteration and degradation identified on the surface of an artifact was developed. These data constitute an essential tool in the analysis of the conservation status and are necessary for the planning and preparation of restoration works. Specifically, the main goals of the analysis are: the survey of the current state of affairs, the mapping of the architectural complex, the diagnosis of the materials – with analysis in situ and in laboratory, the graphic recording of the conservation status, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the different restoration samples, the drafting of the monitoring plan.

Restoration of stony elements





The stony elements are undergoing the restoration process by the team of restorers and technician of restoration. Every surface is carefully investigated during construction to evaluate the best intervention and guarantee the conservation. The protocol followed on each stony element is described below:



1. SECURING PROCESS

It is a matter of securing all the elements that are unstable, dangerous and separate with means of shoring. In the case of extremely broken up elements the intervention requires the use of consolidating products by injection or impregnation.

2. WEEDING AND BIOLOGICAL DISINFESTATION

Using specific products, the biodeteriogens and the superficial plants are removed in order to disinfest the affected elements.

3. SURFACE CLEANING

The cleaning of the stony elements is a delicate phase because every part is carefully studied in order to evaluate the type of cleaning to adopt. In this stage several operative protocols are necessary in order to proceed gradually from a simple cleaning with water and with a possible surfactant with brushing, up to the use of chemical products for the removal of vandalistic graffiti, black crusts, oxidation spots and other deposits.

4. REMOVAL OF INCOERENT MATERIALS

During construction all non-original elements are analyzed, such as inserts and putties, evaluating the real efficiency and stability. If they are not suitable, in order to ensure the conservation of the original elements, they are removed and replaced with putties or elements compatible with the original ones.

5. CONSOLIDATION OF STONY ELEMENTS

To reinforce the structure itself of the object, you have to use suitable consolidating products, are being used applied by brush or by syringe, chosen according to the type of lithotype and the current degradation of the elements.

6. COMPENSATION FOR LACKS AND REFURBISHMENTS

This type of work aims at restoring the correct aspect and to seal the possible ways of access of powders, taking into consideration the original element, the aesthetic requirements and the philological needs. This intervention will include the creation of putties and the insertion of real reconstructions, repairing the missing parts respecting the original.





Restoration of the plasters








1. PRE-CONSOLIDATION

The plaster that can be kept is secured. Then proceed with the injection of consolidating mortars in order to restore the stability to the detached plaster fragments.

2. WEEDING AND BIOLOGICAL DISINFESTATION

The disinfestation of plasters is carried out with the use of a specific biocide applied by spray. All the surfaces are thoroughly rinsed after the necessary phases to remove the bio deteriogens.

3. CLEANING OF SURFACES

The plastered surfaces are carefully washed. For the removal of the most adherent deposits, suitable chemical products are used, such as inorganic ammonium salts.

4. SALTS REMOVAL

The salts that cause the efflorescence are removed through compresses of paper pulp and sepiolite. With a conductivity meter it is verified that the surface has sufficiently low, if not zero, content of salts.

5. CONSOLIDATION OF PLASTER

Where necessary we proceed with the consolidation of plasters that can be kept. To restore stability and structure to the fragments the injection of a suitable consolidating product is then carried out.

6. REMOVAL OF DAMAGED PLASTER

Following a discussion with the superintendence (heritage office) and site manager, the removal of all those parts of plaster that are extremely damaged and cannot be preserved is carried out.

7. MASONRY TREATEMENT

Before the coating of the new plaster the brick wall perimeter is restored by means of an adequate cleaning with water and brushes.

8. PLASTER RECONSTRUCTION

The intervention of reconstruction allows to restore continuity to the facades. To reproduce the plaster in its original appearance, mixtures are prepared with natural products that are applied according to the traditional methods.

9. FINAL PROTECTION OF SURFACES

A protective product is applied on all plastered surfaces that preserves them from atmospheric agents, in particular from water, in order to guarantee future conservation.





Restoration of metal elements








All metal elements that cannot be substitute or that don’t need substitution for location reasons, are treated in order to stop oxidation and to protect them. Moreover, this intervention is also aimed at avoiding the formation of spots on the stony surface or internal tensions and consequent detachment of stony pieces.








The restoration work


Conservation status

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Restoration procedure

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Restoration journal

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