Paper 362

Integrating thermal and mechanical characteristics of historic masonry categories: development of a Sicilian database

Authors: Enrico Genova (1), Maria La Gennusa (2), Erica La Placa (3) and Calogero Vinci (3)

1. Energy Efficiency Unit Department (DUEE), ENEA, via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy
2. Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy
3. Department of Architecture, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, ed. 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy

Abstract:

Detailed construction analysis is essential to the compatible energy improvement of historic buildings. In-situ measurements are crucial for energy diagnosis but their use is limited, especially in vernacular architecture. This paper exposes the development of a hygrothermal and mechanical database for Sicilian historic walls. The proposed method, applied to eleven historic centres, is based on the investigation of those masonry construction features, which recur in local contexts. Preliminary results concern the case study of Petralia Sottana, where a first set of laboratory measurements of stone compressive strength and thermal conductivity was conducted, together with in-situ tests of masonry thermal conductance.Focused on stone walls, these results are used to discuss potentialities and limits of the proposed categorisation of traditional masonry as a support to the energy diagnosis of historic buildings.

Keywords: Historic stone wall, masonry, U-value, Masonry Quality Index (MQI), Sicily

Please note:

This paper is for personal use during the conference and may not be divulged to others.