Structural damages in the manuscripts of Leonardo da Vinci

Abstract

Leonardo da Vinci is considered one of the great geniuses and artists of the Renaissance. His studies have been referenced in subsequent modern science discoveries. However, less studied are his contributions to the fields of architecture and its conservation, even when they are of no less importance. His interest in building pathology can be clearly seen in his manuscripts. Within this field, he studied the causes of structural wall damage, cracks, differential settlement and their possible solutions. These proposals are considered by some authors as a treatise on architecture. This article analyses Leonardo's studies on structural damages and the influence that other artists could have had in his learning process.