Finte Pietre. Architettura dell'apparire e conservazione dei valori culturali

The volume presents the results of a study focused on the knowledge of the architectural finishes made of artificial stone, with particular attention to the plaster patented in 1901 by LiVigni brothers.The study activities are conducted through the recognition of the documents kept at the Central State Archive in Rome, and perform a rigorous selection of patents with the aim of tracing the evolution of the plastering methods in different countries. In the nineteenth century, researchers of many nationalities initiate a critical selection of systems to achieve the artificial stones; studies on the characteristics of binders, sands and additives to use in the packaging of mortars multiply even in Italy, and a renewed interest in the magnesium, dolomite and sand wakes up. The descriptions in patents confirms that even the first experimental applications of soluble glass, silicate materials and new developments in chemistry suggested foreign researchers to deposit in Italy the methods to plaster the wall surfaces.The final part of the research develops the theme of conservation of architectural surfaces through a proper diagnosis of the defects and introduces the results of thermography performed on the surfaces of artificial stone.