Merging nondestructive testing techniques for stucco analysis: the case of St. Abbondio in Como Italy

Recently a throughout preservation intervention has begun throughout the entire complex of the St Abbondio Abbey in Como (Italy), beginning with documentation and condition assessment of each element of the building and an examination of the stucco plasters. This article reports the results of analyses of the stuccos and plasters found in different areas of the complex. These analyses have been performed by means of infrared termography, stratigraphic and chemical/physical testing. The results confirm the hypothesis regarding the historic evolution of the complex and supply a range of options for the preservation intervention.