On the damage of frescoes and stuccoes on the lower surface of historical flat suspended light vaults

Abstract In many historical and monumental Italian buildings, frescoes or stuccoes of artistic and historical value are present on the lower surface of flat light vaults, made by wooden arches, reeds and plaster. These vaults are often suspended by wooden or metallic ties to the upper bearing structures. When differential settlements of the wooden arches happen (i.e.: due to a bad working of their hangings) cracks appear on these precious surfaces. This paper experimentally and numerically investigates on this issue, pointing out which constructive parameters mainly influence the cracking behaviour of the frescoed or stuccoed lower surface, and thus providing guide lines for designing compatible conservation and retrofitting interventions.