Static and dynamic monitoring of Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit in Pistoia (Italy)

Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) procedures are assuming increasing importance in the field of preservation of Cultural Heritage (CH) structures. These structures face the consequences of ageing and incorrect repairs operated in the past and their conservation remains of upmost importance to preserve their inherent cultural value. In particular, statues or other artifacts composed of an assembly of rigid blocks have invaluable historical and artistic significance, and the application of SHM systems can provide information on their structural state and detect the presence of anomalies. The present work discusses the static and dynamic monitoring system installed on the pulpit in the church of Sant’Andrea in Pistoia (Italy), a medieval masterwork by the Italian sculptor Giovanni Pisano. The monitoring system is aimed at providing real-time structural performance monitoring and trigger warnings. Minimal invasiveness and interference with operational conditions were essential aspects considered for its design, to obtain a balance between structural assessment needs and respect for architectural and cultural value of the structure. After specific information about the pulpit geometry, the damage state and the description of the monitoring system installed, the paper presents a summary of the results from data analysis carried out on environmental, static, and dynamic measurements on the first six months of monitoring.