Development of a Dynamic Repository of the Typological and Performance Characteristics of Historic Walls on an ICT basis

This book explores innovative methodologies for the knowledge, assessment, and enhancement of historic masonry buildings through the development of a dynamic ICT-based repertoire of their typological and performance characteristics. Historic masonry constitutes a substantial part of the European built heritage and is characterized by significant material, constructive, and performance variability, often inadequately represented by current assessment tools. The research proposes a multidisciplinary framework integrating architectural engineering, building physics, construction history, statistics, numerical modelling, and digital technologies. Using Sicily as a representative case study, the work develops a methodology based on typological surveys, statistical cluster analysis, thermophysical characterization of natural stone materials, in situ investigations, and calibrated finite element models. These approaches enable the identification of recurring masonry typologies and the evaluation of their thermal and mechanical behaviour through objective and replicable criteria. Experimental campaigns conducted in Italy and France provide new thermophysical data on traditional stone materials, while numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of parametric models for performance assessment and retrofit design. A further contribution is the development of a semi-automatic image-based masonry recognition system, protected by an international patent application, capable of extracting geometric information from wall images and associating masonry types with performance-related data. The resulting digital repertoire is conceived as an expandable decision-support tool for researchers and practitioners. By integrating material knowledge, performance analysis, and digital innovation, the research contributes to the definition of compatible conservation and retrofitting strategies that improve energy efficiency and structural reliability while preserving the cultural and identity values of historic architecture.

CONTENTS

Abstract
Introduction
1. Methods of classification of masonry wall types
2. Classification and constructive characterization of masonry: definition of types
3. Statistical analyses for the classification of masonry
4. Experimental characterisation of natural stone materials and masonry structures
5. Parametric modelling of masonry wall types
6. Semi-Automatic recognition of masonry wall types
7. Conclusion
References

Erica La Placa
Building Engineer and Architect and holds a PhD in Architecture, Arts and Planning at the University of Palermo. Winner of the 2025 Doctor.AT.i Award for doctoral thesis. Her research focuses on historic masonry and existing built heritage, with particular attention to the integration of architectural engineering, building physics, digital technologies, and conservation principles.
Her work investigates the typological, thermo-physical, and mechanical characterization of traditional masonry systems, promoting innovative methodologies for energy retrofitting and performance assessment. Recent studies have explored ICT-based tools, finite element modelling, image-recognition systems, and digital repositories to support the sustainable rehabilitation of historic buildings while preserving their cultural and architectural values.