Laboratory analysis on heritage buildings

The study of the characteristics and state of conservation of a cultural asset is an extremely delicate field, requiring specialized training and highly professional experience. It is, in fact, a process essential to planning restoration, conservation, or maintenance interventions, supporting the institutions we work with in preserving the integrity and historical value of architectural heritage over time.

Given the importance that architectural and landscape heritage holds within the cultural panorama (and beyond), it is essential that their conservation be entrusted to professionals with in-depth knowledge of the techniques and materials used in historic constructions. Collaborating with sector experts is crucial to ensuring that every intervention is carried out in full compliance with current regulations and best conservation practices.

We place ourselves at the service of restorers, designers, superintendencies, public institutions, and restoration companies by providing a qualified scientific team capable of offering a wide range of specialized diagnostic analysis and consultancy services for restoration planning. Our decades-long experience in the field enables us to deliver high-level technical and scientific support, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in all our activities.

 

Comprehensive diagnostic services for the protection of cultural heritage

To fully support our clients, we offer both diagnostic analyses and customized consultancy services, specifically:

 

Semi-destructive investigations

Semi-destructive analyses provide detailed information on the state of conservation and durability without compromising the overall integrity of the work. They cause minimal impact on the structure while preserving the historical and architectural value of the examined asset. Primarily employed for the characterization of in-situ materials, for monitoring post-intervention conditions, and for verifying the effectiveness of restoration works, they supply essential data on the chemical composition and mineralogical structure of materials, ensuring optimal long-term preservation.

Within this category, several types of investigations can be included: microstratigraphic analyses, FT/IR spectrophotometric analyses, mineralogical analyses with in-depth examinations via ESEM, organic material analyses with Gas-Mass, biological analyses of wood and fabrics, and structural investigations (flat-jack tests, compression tests).

• Microstratigraphic analyses

Microstratigraphic analyses are used to study the stratification of materials such as paints, plasters, or coatings. This type of analysis makes it possible to examine in detail the different layers applied over time, providing valuable information about the materials and techniques used in the creation of the work. Microstratigraphies are essential for identifying changes made during restoration interventions and for determining the conservation state of the original layers.

• FT/IR spectrophotometric analyses

FT/IR spectrophotometric analyses (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) allow the identification of the chemical composition of materials through the study of their infrared light absorption properties. This technique is particularly effective in characterizing organic and inorganic materials such as binders, pigments, and degradation products. Thanks to FT/IR, it is possible to determine the conservation state of materials and identify potential alterations caused by atmospheric agents or aging processes.

• Mineralogical and petrographic analyses 

Mineralogical and petrographic analyses enable the characterization of natural and artificial stone-based materials (mortars, plasters, bricks, and ceramics), as well as an initial assessment of their conservation state.

Information obtained through the polarizing optical microscope includes:

• For mortars: the nature of the binder, aggregate, grain size, aggregate/binder ratio, and porosity.
• For natural stones: rock classification, texture and grain, porosity, fractures and possible fillings, and signs of alteration.
• For bricks: clay characteristics, skeleton, grain size, firing temperature, and porosity.

• Microstratigraphic analyses

Microstratigraphic analyses are used to study the stratification of materials such as paint finishes, plasters, or coatings. This type of analysis makes it possible to examine in detail the different layers applied over time, providing valuable information about the materials and techniques used in the creation of the work. Microstratigraphies are essential for identifying modifications introduced during previous interventions and for determining the conservation state of the original layers. Samples are embedded in a polyester resin, and by observing the polished cross-section, it is possible to highlight the stratigraphic sequence.

• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses

SEM analyses are carried out both on untreated samples and on selected areas and points of each layer in the stratigraphic sequence. This provides information on pigments, deposits, crusts, encrustations, restoration products, alteration and degradation compounds, and patinas.

• Micro-FT/IR analyses

Like SEM analyses, micro-FT/IR analyses are performed either on untreated samples or on each stratigraphic layer to detect the presence of binders, varnishes, organic materials in general, as well as alteration and degradation products.

• X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses

X-ray diffraction analyses are highly useful for identifying the mineralogical composition of certain samples. They are mainly applied to plasters, mortars, bricks, and salt efflorescences. In the case of bricks, the minerals identified can also provide indications about the firing temperature of the material.

• Chromatographic analyses

Chromatographic analyses are used to quantify soluble salts, which are often present in masonry structures affected by water infiltration. These analyses allow the detection of anions (mainly sulfates, chlorides, and nitrates) as well as cations (such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium ions).

• Gravimetric analyses

One of the main causes of material degradation is the presence of high moisture content, which is determined through weighing procedures.

• Biological analyses

Biological analyses are performed to assess the presence of organisms such as fungi, lichens, mosses, and algae, both on untreated samples and on samples embedded in polished cross-sections. Through microscopic examination and other specialized techniques, it is possible to determine the conservation state of organic materials and to identify any treatments needed to prevent or halt biological degradation.

• Morphoanatomical analyses

The nature of wood can be determined by observing transverse, tangential, and radial sections, along with the corresponding microscopic features typical of hardwoods and softwoods.

 

Lifeanalytics: discover all our services

Lifeanalytics offers a wide range of services in the fields of civil engineering, chemistry, and cultural heritage, making it a key reference point for contracting authorities such as public entities that manage heritage assets, including buildings and strategic infrastructure. Furthermore, during both the design and construction phases, it provides support to engineering, architecture, and geotechnical firms working on renovations or new constructions.

Our services dedicated to cultural heritage cover both the architectural field—specialized in the conservation of monuments and historic buildings, with the aim of analyzing structures to define restoration and recovery plans—and the field of historical and artistic assets (paintings on canvas, panel paintings, murals, and polychrome works), with the goal of identifying painting techniques and understanding the creative process behind the artwork. 

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