Microwave reflection method for moisture assessment for architectural heritage conservation: first results on the case study of church of S. Pietro in Valle (Fano, Italy)

Moisture is one of the most important causes of deterioration of building materials, because water is involved in a lot of decay mechanisms. The problem results to be particularly relevant in the field of historic buildings, due to the fact that water presence could destroy great value elements and surfaces. To conserve this heritage is very important assess the features of water presence in masonry structures. Among the several non-destructive techniques that could be used on historic architectural heritage for moisture measurement, there is the microwave reflection method. In this paper are presented the first results of an in-situ campaign of moisture evaluation using microwave method on the church of S. Pietro in Valle (Fano, Marche Region, Italy), executed after a preliminary calibration of the test device. In this context results very important understand sources, penetration paths and spatial distribution of moisture to set up an effective conservation strategy of the monument