Knowledge and monitoring of earthen mortars and verification of their water management role in built cultural heritage

PoliMi Politecnico di Milano Italy

PhD enrolment : PoliMi

Supervisor: Angelo G. Landi

Co-supervisor: Chiara Bertolin NTNU

Start date September 2026

Duration (in months) 36

Objectives: The research aims to study and verify the durability of a widespread historical construction technique, i.e. earthen mortars (also used for plasters), and their effectiveness in regulating the humidity contained in the walls, with the purpose of identifying suitable conservation techniques to preserve existing earthen coating and to validate their use on restoration sites also to improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope. Characterize and reproduce the historical recipe with specific additives which may contribute to control the humidity, and monitor in situ the efficiency of these systems

Expected Results: The recovery of an ancient know-how and the verification of the energy efficiency of these mortars in order to re-introduce on the market a product that has now disappeared compatible with built historical heritage, capable of mitigating effects of climate change; and environmentally and economically sustainable.

Planned secondment(s): C. Bondioni, M12, 4 weeks. Real case study