Thermal and hygrometric properties of traditional calcarenite stones in the area of Palermo

Abstract

The energy improvement of historic buildings requires detailed knowledge of the thermal and hygrometric properties of traditional materials and components. These data should be collected for specific local contexts, where the features of historic constructions are comparable. For the purpose of developing this tool for the architectural heritage of Palermo, this research focuses on calcarenite stones, the material traditionally used in the construction of the local historic masonry, and illustrates the thermal and hygrometric characterization of three calcarenite samples, taken from two historic buildings in the Sicilian city.