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http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 537 [email protected]
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET)
Volume 11, Issue 5, May 2020, pp. 537-546, Article ID: IJARET_11_05_055
Available online athttp://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/issues.asp?JType=IJARET&VType=11&IType=5
ISSN Print: 0976-6480 and ISSN Online: 0976-6499
DOI: 10.34218/IJARET.11.5.2020.055
© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed
THE ROYAL PALACE IN CASERTA: NON-
DESTRUCTIVE TESTS FOR SAFETY AND
CONSERVATION
M. Guadagnuolo, I. Titomanlio, G. Faella
Department of Architecture and Industrial Design
University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Aversa (CE), Italy
C. Gambardella
Pegaso online University, Napoli, Italy.
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the in-situ surveys performed within an integrated knowledge
plan aimed at the conservation design of the façades of the Royal Palace in Caserta
(“Reggia di Caserta”) in Campania, Italy. Surface penetrating radar tests, covermeter
testing, infrared thermography analyses, and endoscopic inspections were performed
as complementary methods of surveys. The paper describes the equipment, the testing
arrangement and the main outcomes. The falling of some large portions of facing slabs
is identified to be due to the oxidation of the metal cramps. The position of the anchor
cramps has then systematically identified, showing that they are not arranged according
to specific alignment rules. This allows assessing the structural safety of the facing
stones and drawing data for the restoration activity and the conservation management
plan.
Keywords: Cultural heritage, Facing slab safety, Masonry, In-situ testing
Cite this Article: M. Guadagnuolo, I. Titomanlio, G. Faella and C. Gambardella, The
Royal Palace in Caserta: Non-Destructive Tests for Safety and Conservation,
International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET),
11(5), 2020, pp. 537-546.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/issues.asp?JType=IJARET&VType=11&IType=5
1. INTRODUCTION
Cultural heritage and monumental architecture are of great value to society from a cultural,
environmental, social and economic point of view, and their safeguarding is of paramount
importance [1-2]. Frequently their preservation and safety are related to their non-structural
elements [3], and then an integrated approach is necessary [4]. Adequate knowledge of building
structures for assessing structural safety and defining appropriate restoration solutions is a key
step in the design process. Also, because today it is possible to perform particularly detailed
non-linear numerical analyses [5]. Despite the recent advances in non-destructive testing
M. Guadagnuolo, I. Titomanlio, G. Faella and C. Gambardella
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 538 [email protected]
technology [6-9], today no technique is suitable for all situations, and then the careful
application of complementary techniques often provides the most reliable information.
This paper deals with the experimental activities performed on the façades of the Royal
Palace in Caserta (Campania, Italy), as step of the fundamental path of knowledge. The activity
firstly involved historical researches and subsequently in-situ tests, as laser scanning surveys
and non-destructive testing on masonry structures and façades. The safety of façades facing
stones and overhanging masonry elements was mainly investigated. In fact, due to the oxidation
of the metal cramps of the veneer facing stones, in recent years, some stone slabs of
considerable size, and from a great height, fell. The fall of façade elements represents an
element of great criticality for the conservation of cultural heritage and public safety, and their
securing requires a thorough knowledge of the supporting structural elements and state of
conservation.
2. HISTORICAL RESEARCH
The Royal Palace in Caserta (Italy) is one of the great examples of late eighteenth-century
architecture with its park and its sophisticated watercourses. In 1930 Gino Chierici declared:
“the royal palace is one of the most harmonic, logical, most perfect architectural designs of all
time” (Figure 1). The Bourbon king Charles III wanted the palace to be the seat of power and
to represent the magnificence of their dynasty. He commissioned architect Luigi Vanvitelli [10-
11] to design and build the Royal Palace, competing with the Versailles Palace [12-15].
Figure 1 The Royal Palace in Caserta
In the same years, Vanvitelli was involved in the restoration of the Basilica of Loreto
(commissioned by the Pontifical State) but he answered positively to the call of King Charles
III [16-17]. Vanvitelli was commissioned to design the complex composed by the Palace, the
Park, the buildings surrounding the urban area, and the Aqueduct (later called Carolino) (Figure
2). In 1751 the final project was approved and the following year the foundation stone was laid
with a great ceremony. Gennaro Maldarelli painted that moment under the canopy of the Throne
Room.
Several artists were involved to work with Vanvitelli. Marcello Fronton collaborated on the
building design and Francesco Collecini collaborated on the park and the aqueduct design. The
building lasted several years and some details were left unfinished [18]. Ferdinand IV, who
later became Ferdinand I (the king who came after Charles III) did not share the same
enthusiasm for the Palace. In 1773 Vanvitelli died and his son Carlo continued the work. The
The Royal Palace in Caserta: Non-Destructive Tests for Safety and Conservation
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 539 [email protected]
father's genius was hard to interpret, so it was difficult to finish the building according to the
original project [19-21].
Figure 2 The Royal Palace in Caserta: historical design
The Palace currently covers an area of approximately 44000 square meters. The materials
needed for building the Palace (at the time the cost was 6.133.507 ducats) mostly came from
existing quarries in the area or the kingdom's territories: San Nicola la Strada, Bellona
(travertine), Mondragone (gray marble), San Leucio (lime), Bacoli (pozzolan), Gaeta (arena),
Capua (bricks), Sicily, Calabria and Puglia (various marbles) [18]. The choice of marble was
handled by French sculptor Giuseppe Canart. He was a restorer at the king's service and a
connoisseur of ancient marbles (white Carrara marble was used for some statues and
decorations). The rectangular layout of the Palace, (247x190 meters) was divided into four
courtyards (each of 3800 sq, m). This design concept was defined as an optimal model of
architecture, meeting to space distribution requirements according to the intended use [22-23].
The total height of the Palace is 41 meters. It was composed by 1.200 rooms lit by 241
windows at the front and 241 on the back. The chimneys on the roof were 1026, indicating the
presence of fireplaces in almost every room.
Different types of vaults (cross vaults, barrel vaults, cloister vaults, rib vaults, etc.) were
used. This made necessary outer walls 3.50 m thick at the ground floor. The roof had timber
trusses made in abetone of Sila and large tiles coming from the furnaces of Portici, put in place
by talented teachers Zappi and Rossi.
Immediately after the central gate, the superb three naves gallery (high and wide the main,
narrower, and lower the side ones) leads to the central octagon. Here bundles of Bigliemi stone
columns hold four strong large arches, set up the access to the four courtyards and, on the right
side, to the majestic staircase decorated with polychrome marbles (18.50 meters wide, 14.50
meters high and 117 steps long) [19]. Besides the octagon gallery, the green park provides a
beautiful scenic movement. The Royal Palace was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in
1997.
The thorough historical documentation, which covers many features of the Palace building,
does not contain a description or a graphic representation of the technique through which the
large facing slabs of the internal and external façades were anchored to the wall structure at the
back. This shortcoming made necessary to carry out an in-depth experimental activity in-situ,
as described below.
3. EQUIPMENT AND TESTING ARRANGEMENT
3.1. Surface penetrating radar test
The Surface Penetrating Radar (SPR) applied to masonry buildings [24-25] allows detecting
the presence and location of anomalies or hidden objects using the electromagnetic waves
M. Guadagnuolo, I. Titomanlio, G. Faella and C. Gambardella
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 540 [email protected]
reflection phenomenon [26-27]. The tests were carried out using a multi-frequency SPR
equipment with several antennae (from 800 to 2000 MHz), software "K2" and "IDS_Gred" for
data acquisition and processing. The purpose of the SPR tests was the inspection of the veneer
facing stones, the identification of the masonry stratigraphy, and the search of anomalies and
hidden metal cramps in the exterior and interior façades of the Royal Palace. The scans were
executed according to a thick grid for identifying all possible anomalies, as illustrated in the
following.
3.2. Infrared thermography analysis
The infrared thermographic technique provides a visible representation of infrared energy
radiated by an object, according to the fundamental law of Planck (all objects at temperatures
above absolute zero emit infrared radiation) [28-29]. The scan cameras with infrared is a global
approach, which allows a rapid assessment of large regions without requiring direct access to
the wall. The high-resolution FLIR “ThermaCam SC3000 Thermal Imaging System”, was used.
This camera utilizes an advanced sensor that provides extremely high sensitivity (less than 20
mK at 30°C), allowing ultra-precise accuracy in measurement. Many infrared thermographic
images, taken from several points of view, allowed analyzing several features of the building
structures of the Royal Palace [30-31].
3.3. Fiberscope testing
The endoscopic test allows a visual examination of internal cavities or the interior of small
diameter holes made in specific points of the building. The technique is based on the properties
of optical fibers to transmit light through successive reflections. The flexible fiberscope "XL
PRO Base System" was used. This fiberscope has a high-resolution camera (with 440.000 pixel
true-color images), and a flexible probe with diameters from 3.9 to 8.4 mm. Visual inspections
were performed in several locations where was deemed necessary to observe and identify
anomalies or internal wall components, to better understand the actual condition of the
structure.
3.4. Covermeter testing
The covermeter inspection allows identifying and measuring dimensions and covering of
hidden metallic elements. The covermeter “Protovale CoverMaster CM9” was used. The target
was the search of the anchor cramps of the veneer facing stones of the courtyard exterior and
interior walls. The scan was performed using a dense pitch grid. The results were compared to
those provided by the SPR survey, to have only one position of all identified metal elements.
4. MAIN RESULTS OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTS
The main purpose of the tests was the identification of the anchor cramps supporting the facing
stones of façades, to monitor their state of conservation. Many were strongly oxidized, as visible
for the few accessible (Figure 3). Due to the consequent loss of bearing capacity or cramp
volume enlargement (that break the stones), some facing stones could fall with possible
dramatic effects, because of their large size and height above the ground. Some detachments
and collapses already occurred in the past years, as shown in Figure 4.
The results of the tests performed on the north outer façade (identified by the letter A in
Figure 5) and on the south facade of the south-east courtyard (identified by the letter B in Figure
5) are described in the following.
The Royal Palace in Caserta: Non-Destructive Tests for Safety and Conservation
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 541 [email protected]
Figure 3 Metal cramps oxidized
Figure 4 Detachments of facing stone parts due to cramp oxidation
Figure 5 The façades analyzed in the paper
4.1. North outer façade (A)
Figure 6 shows the longitudinal SPR scans performed on the north outer façade. The
longitudinal and transverse radargrams of the lower part of the façade (Figure 7) allowed to
identify the stratigraphy of the outer layers of the wall. After the first dense layer about 15 cm
thick, corresponding to the veneer facing slabs, there is a succession of a denser layer (about 25
cm thick, probably regular tuff masonry) and a less compact layer (about 15 cm thick, probably
chaotic tuff masonry with voids).
M. Guadagnuolo, I. Titomanlio, G. Faella and C. Gambardella
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 542 [email protected]
The SPR scans also detected several metal elements and some small cavities, and
irregularities inside the wall. The covermeter scans recognized the position and depth of the
metal elements. Unfortunately, both the survey techniques (SPR and covermeter) identified
both the metal cramps and the lead plates placed between the facing stones to align them
horizontally during the construction. Both cramps and plates do not have a regular arrangement,
but the anchor cramps have greater penetration into the wall than the lead plates. Furthermore,
the cramps have different geometry and size while the lead plates are much more regular in size
and small (few centimeters wide and less than a centimeter thick). Figure 8 shows the schematic
synthesis of the metal elements detected in the first 30 cm in depth in the lower portion of the
examined wall. Blue and red markers identify anchor cramps while black circles identify the
lead plates.
Figure 6 Longitudinal SPR scans on the north outer façade
The Royal Palace in Caserta: Non-Destructive Tests for Safety and Conservation
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 543 [email protected]
Figure 7 Longitudinal and transverse radargrams of the north outer façade
4.2. South facade of the south-east courtyard (B)
The SPR scans performed on the south facade of the south-east courtyard confirmed the same
masonry stratigraphy obtained for the other façades.
The veneer facing stones of the façade, in addition to the oxidation of the metal cramps,
showed degradation phenomena and repairs executed in the past (Figure 9). Therefore, infrared
thermography scans and fiberscope inspection were performed (Figure 10). These surveys
allowed detecting the different materials used in the façade restoration and the degradation on
and between the facing stones, integrating the results already obtained through the SPR and
covermeter scans.
Figure 8 Synthesis of the metal elements detected in the lower part of the north outer façade
M. Guadagnuolo, I. Titomanlio, G. Faella and C. Gambardella
http://www.iaeme.com/IJARET/index.asp 544 [email protected]
Figure 9 Degradation phenomena and repairs of the South façade of the south-east courtyard
Figure 10 Thermographic images of the South façade of the south-east courtyard
5. CONCLUSIVE REMARKS
The failure of veneer facing stones from the façade of heritage buildings has significant
consequences on conservation and public safety. This paper describes the in-situ tests
performed within an integrated knowledge plan aimed at the conservation design of the façades
of Royal Palace in Caserta (Italy).
Surface penetrating radar and covermeter testing were systematically performed on the
façades as complementary methods for qualifying the masonry and locating metal elements that
could be a source of possible safety problems, when oxidized. Where necessary, infrared
thermography scans and endoscopy inspections were executed for quantifying degraded or
deteriorated areas. The in-situ surveys allowed knowing the causes of the falling of some facing
stones and, mainly, identifying the position of the metal cramps. These were differently let into
the surface of the stones, without a specific rule. The SPR scans also provided information on
the masonry stratigraphy while the infrared thermographic surveys provided synthetic data on
previous restoration works and degradation phenomena.
All the performed surveys show that the detachment of some facing stones or part of them
is not a recent pathology. That is assumed to have happened even in past times and is now
speeded up by the increased concentration of pollutants.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors wish to thank Architects Alfonso Donadio and Luca Ferri for their contribution in the
experimental activities. In-situ tests were performed using equipment provided by the Benecon
Scarl.
The Royal Palace in Caserta: Non-Destructive Tests for Safety and Conservation
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