A diagnostic plan for the cloister of Saint Augustine in Cosenza (Italy)

This paper aims to provide a possible approach to the diagnostic plan through a in-depth analysis about a case study, that is the cloister of the monumental complex of St. Augustine in Cosenza. It underlines the importance to carry out an important cognitive process meticulously, in order to achieve a efficient restoration project. This can happen by means an essential study of the asset all its features, through different approaches and the collaboration among several professionals. Therefore, the objective of this study is the definition of a map, or rather a precise route to follow in order to achieve a detailed knowledge of the cultural asset. An particulate knowledge framework has been performed on the cloister of Saint Augustine that has expected its territorial and environmental contextualization, the research of its history as well as an important architectural analysis. In this work the building materials have been described, the pathologies of decay have been highlighted and the morphological and chemical characterization of the stone of the masonry elements of the cloister has been performed by means the SEM analysis. A particular attention has been addressed to study of the crushing phenomena in act on the arches of the monumental cloister. The forms of material decay due to the structural instability and their causes have been studied. Furthermore, a structural analysis along the arches, performed through the construction of the lines of pressure, has allowed to verify the excessive values of the compression internal stresses on the masonry of the bearing elements of the cloister; this explains the presence of the instabilities due to the crushing phenomena along the arcades.