New vulnerability approach for monument diagnosis (Science, Technology and Cultural Heritage)

Abstract

The degradation of monuments is mainly due to the deterioration effects caused by structural damages, weathering affection, pollution agents and anthropogenic factors. Intensity of degradation may be worsened by the vulnerability of each monument. RIVUPH is a project of the Andalusian government based on the analysis of environmental risk in Historical cities in order to develop conservation strategies and policies. With the purpose to determine the vulnerability of each monument, a new expanded vulnerability index is necessary based on a vulnerability matrix and adding the cultural heritage value and the design effects of the buildings. This new vulnerability approach was initially studied by the assessment of properties of the materials, structure, aesthetic values, classification and design of the monuments in order to evaluate their influence in the conservation state of the monument. Ten Churches (13th-18th Centuries) have been chosen in Seville to apply this new methodology and compared with the data obtained in other cities. The expanded vulnerability index for these monuments was determined by the on-site study to evaluate properties of the materials, structure and aesthetic values and an architectonic analysis of cultural heritage catalogue and design data. The results show that the vulnerability degrees of the monuments studied in Seville depend mainly on capillarity dampness, atmospheric pollution and structural stability. This vulnerability approach is a very useful tool to identify, evaluate and prioritize the restoration of Cultural Heritage and the budgets of the city and to forecast the preventive conservation policies. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group, London.