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Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Non-invasive Technique for Preliminary Characterization of Soluble Salts on Historical Masonries

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Book cover Advanced Nondestructive and Structural Techniques for Diagnosis, Redesign and Health Monitoring for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Materials ((SPM,volume 16))

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Abstract

The presence of soluble salts due to rising damp triggers significant damage to brick masonries, and their distribution needs to be effectively assessed before targeting maintenance intervention. For this purpose, a novel non-invasive approach based on reflectance spectroscopy analysis has been proposed for the preliminary characterisation of soluble salts on masonry surfaces by using a portable spectroradiometer, working in the visible-short wave infrared (Vis-SWIR, 350 ÷ 2500 nm) spectral range. The setup of the technique included the analysis of powdery samples: pure salts, salts mixtures, salts blended with brick powder. Then on field application on a Venetian palace, subjected to rising damp of salty water, was carried out. The results highlight the feasibility of the methodology both in the laboratory and in situ: thanks to instrument portability, low cost, and an adequate possibility to detect salts this technique helps in the planning of the preservation project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, via Torino 155, 30172, Venice, Italy

    Dafne Cimino, Laura Falchi, Martina Corradini, Paola Lucero Gomez, Eleonora Balliana & Elisabetta Zendri

Authors
  1. Dafne Cimino
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  2. Laura Falchi
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  3. Martina Corradini
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  4. Paola Lucero Gomez
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  5. Eleonora Balliana
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  6. Elisabetta Zendri
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Dafne Cimino or Laura Falchi .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Fraunhofer Institute for Nondestructive, Saarland University of Applied Sciences, Saarbrücken, Germany

    Ahmad Osman

  2. Zografou Campus, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece

    Antonia Moropoulou

Ethics declarations

Scientific activity performed with the contribution of the Provveditorato for the Public Works of Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia, provided through the concessionary of State Consorzio Venezia Nuova and coordinated by CORILA. The research was promoted thanks also to the interest and support of the Patto per lo Sviluppo della Città di Venezia (Comune di Venezia).

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Cimino, D., Falchi, L., Corradini, M., Lucero Gomez, P., Balliana, E., Zendri, E. (2022). Reflectance Spectroscopy as a Non-invasive Technique for Preliminary Characterization of Soluble Salts on Historical Masonries. In: Osman, A., Moropoulou, A. (eds) Advanced Nondestructive and Structural Techniques for Diagnosis, Redesign and Health Monitoring for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. Springer Proceedings in Materials, vol 16. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-03795-5_4

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