Impianto metodologico e approfondimenti normativi per la messa a punto di innovativi premiscelati a base di calce. L’esperienza dell’Università degli Studi di Brescia

In recent years, many studies were focused on lime-based products for the preservation of the historical heritage. The renewed interest is a consequence of the low physical, chemical, mechanical and aesthetic compatibility of cement-based products with pre-industrial lime-based structures. The problem has been so far studied from different points of view. Important issues regard the direct mineralogical and chemical characterization of in-situ sampled lime-based products and of carbonate rocks. Other important aspects concern the handwork production techniques, almost lost by now, and the knowledge reported in written documents, starting from old treatises and manuals of architecture. The knowledge so far gained of the ancient "rule of the art" allowed to focus attention on the mechanical behavior of lime based mix, which is not yet a well-known subject. The issue of chemical and mechanical compatibility of lime-based products was the object of a research program developed by University of Brescia, DICATA, since 2004. The study intended to provide a practical base for lime-based interventions on historical buildings. The final aim is to develop and patent innovative dry premixed products made up of Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL). The research is now co-financed by the Lombardy Region in the context of the project: “Accordo per lo sviluppo del capitale umano del sistema universitario lombardo” (Agreement for the development of human capital of the Lombardy university system (2009). The paper will outline the scientific process adopted by the Research Unit of Brescia through a detailed discussion of historical, experimental, regulatory and practical aspects.