Importance of Environmental Monitoring After Rehabilitation of Heritage Masonry Buildings in Seismic Zone: Case Study

Abstract

In high seismic risk area, updating or renewing existing structures will increasingly impact the sustainability of local communities. This problem is heightened in the restoration of buildings with historical patrimonial value, where the importance is given by the architectural and historical values, and the structural challenge is more important when they have to be enabled for public use (such as schools, churches or museums). In the case of large masonry heritage buildings in high seismic risk area, the lack of monitoring of environmental conditions can directly impact on structural integrity. In this case we analyze the pathologies founded in a heritage school because of the conditions of habitability, after its value and new functioning as a museum. For this purpose, the condition of the thick walls and reinforcement structure has been evaluated and measurements of temperature and humidity were carried out in different stations, both in open spaces and in enclosed spaces, obtaining results that demonstrate the importance of environmental monitoring after the putting in value, to avoid pathologies that can affect the safety and durability of the rehabilitated structure.