Performance assessment of hygrothermal modelling for diagnostics and conservation in an Italian historical church

The hygrothermal modelling of historical churches is a promising approach to study preservation issues and suitable retrofit measures. However, difficulties can arise in the use Heat, Air Moisture (HAM) models, which are often customised objects be integrated into validated building energy simulation (BES). This research outlines multi-step methodology investigate capability BES software coupled with HAM model (BES + HAM) as technique for diagnostics conservation complex settings. 17th-century church Santa Rosalia (Italy) was used site real context. As first step, performance tool analysed through standardised exercises aiming at excluding incorrect assumptions calculations (HMWall). Secondly, using 1D heat transfer (named A) compared one HMWall B) terms accuracy indoor climate simulations against measurements. results showed that B enhanced by +50% respect A. Finally, annual inside were run further compare seasonal trends scenario obtained from two models. Building allowed water content distribution altarpiece wall partition, showing tools identify potential moisture-induced risks.