Coperture voltate in legno. Un bilancio dal cantiere di restauro e prospettive di intervento

The Guidelines for Seismic Risk Assessment and Reduction are a key reference for all those working on the architectural heritage. In these recommendations, however, there are no indications for lightweight vaults, such as wooden structures covered with reeds, boards, or canvas, which would deserve, due to the peculiarity and complexity of the subject, a specific examination. Although it is impossible here to draw a nationwide picture of solutions and vulnerability factors, the aim is to draw attention to how a good understanding of the construction system and past measures of reinforcement influences a potential current conservation and strengthening intervention. In fact, the disruptions and degradation phenomena that can be observed are in many cases associated with incorrect past restoration works and the misinterpretation of the functioning of the building system and its parts. Taking into account these considerations, the aim is to discuss historicized restoration solutions that can be traced back to the 19th century – starting with the analysis of treatises and archive sources – through to current interventions, and to assess their actual potentialities and critical issues. The quality of the project is necessarily also measured by the degree of knowledge of these aspects.