Non-destructive methods applied for in situ mechanical diagnosis: Florentine historical buildings in Pietra Serena

Abstract Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) is a key indicator of the mechanical properties rock, particularly in diagnostic and restoration phases when stones are employed as construction material. In historical buildings, it important to determine UCS values without utilizing tests that involve destructive rock sampling. To estimate UCS, non-destructive techniques, such ultrasonic pulse velocity (Vp) Schmidt hammer (R), can be combined provide useful tool. However, for architectural elements with complex morphology, sometimes impossible perform both sclerometric test. Three different predictive models, one using R only, Vp both, have been developed through regression techniques on dataset comprising 45 Pietra Serena sandstone samples varying levels decay. The models were tested their performance Cross-Validation then applied measured situ corbels balconies belonging buildings Florence (Italy). specific real case studies, rocks used was calculated, enabling definition characteristics building an cultural context, Florentine architecture, testing.