Strumenti e metodi innovativi per la manutenzione preventiva e programmata per la conservazione del patrimonio culturale

The paper presents a research activity, funded through a doctoral grant (D.M. 352/2022 of PNRR) in collaboration with Leonardo Solutions s.r.l.. The work is focused on preventive and predictive maintenance through the development of innovative tools and methods for the whole conservation process of cultural heritage. In the early 2000s, thanks also to the contribution of studies on the interactions between silicon nanotubes and electromagnetic fields, Domodry has patented and marketed the non-invasive device CNT (Charge Neutralization Technology) for the removal of capillary rising damp, which is one of the most frequent causes of degradation phenomena of heritage building. Unlike traditional electrophysical techniques that reverse the polarity of the masonry by means of costly and invasive interventions with mixed results, the CNT device guarantees the electrical neutrality of the water and prevents its capillary rise in a cheap, non-invasive and durable way. Since 2009, the CNT device has shown its effectiveness and durability in stopping rising damp in numerous cases of buildings. However, rising damp restoration requires a series of right actions concerning the time and method of masonry’s drying, removal of hygroscopic salts, compatible materials and technologies to the restoration of damaged building elements. The objective of the research work is the identification of a protocol of best practices including the important phases of pre-intervention and post-intervention diagnostics through critical analysis of case studies and digital cataloging of restoration work in which CNT technology has been applied. The results obtained will be also used for the development of a digital open knowledge platform for the dissemination of best practices to all stakeholders involved in the conservation of cultural heritage and for the incubation of innovations in preventive and predictive maintenance of the architectural heritage thanks to the sharing of information.