Integrated diagnostic approach for the structural and energetic evaluation of historic buildings

Concerns about the energetic sustainability of the existing building stock and about changes in both climatic conditions and comfort requirements, in recent years have put a lot of research focus on energy performance evaluation of our constructions, which also need periodic assessment of structural performances. Most often, historic masonry buildings present both structural and energetic deficiencies. Nonetheless, if carried out, commonly the diagnostic evaluation of these 2 aspects is undertaken separately. Instead, an integrated diagnostic approach considering several NDT techniques and advanced monitoring was developed in the frame of the 7th FP EU project 3encult to evaluate the health-state of historic buildings obtaining structural and energetic information before, during and after refurbishment. This novel multidisciplinary approach represents a first step towards a correct practice for historic buildings diagnosis and an example to be widespread, after careful translation according to the specific building under consideration.