Spectral Response of Architectural Surface as Support to Analyses of Materials and Degradation

Assessment of superficial deterioration of monumental buildings is an important issue and the continuous monitoring is fundamental to characterize the decay of building materials. This research focuses on the application of spectroradiometer to study the surface of natural building materials of the porch of St. Francis Church in Urbino. This analytical device provides informations on material features through non-invasive and non-destructive methodologies by analysis of different spectral features at specific wavelengths. The use of this technology may support the traditional analytical tools which are often more time consuming and expensive. The preliminary results of the research show that the weathered surfaces building material of the porch have a different spectral response rather than non-weathered natural surfaces of the same material. Spectral analysis demonstrates the presence of absorption bands probably due to oxalates and hydroxides on some of surfaces of the porch. This final results may indicate an interesting follow up of future research in the field of quantitative estimation of the type of degradation by spectral indices.