Ravenna’s Civic Tower is more than just an architectural landmark—it’s a silent witness to centuries of history, weathering time, nature, and human activity. Preserving its structural integrity is not just a matter of maintenance, but a mission to protect our cultural memory.
Historical Structural Engineering: How the Past Protected the Present
Before the advent of smart sensors and artificial intelligence like MonStr, ancient societies relied on traditional engineering wisdom to maintain monumental structures. Their methods included:
- Routine Inspections and Repairs: Civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt regularly inspected buildings, filling cracks with mortar and replacing damaged materials to ensure longevity.
- Use of Local Materials: Builders selected locally sourced stone, wood, mudbrick, and lime mortar for compatibility and durability.
- Innovative Techniques: Mesopotamians used bitumen for waterproofing, while Greeks developed lime mortar and advanced drainage systems to combat water damage.
- Adaptive Reuse: Materials from abandoned structures were recycled, preserving both resources and traditional techniques.
- Craftsmanship Rules: Maintenance was considered from the design phase, with features built in to facilitate future inspections and repairs.
While these methods were effective for their time, they lacked the precision and predictive capabilities available today.
Preserving Heritage with MonStr Smart Monitoring
Thanks to ASDEA S.R.L. and its MonStr structural health monitoring (SHM) system, heritage preservation has entered the digital era. In partnership with the Municipality of Ravenna, MonStr is actively monitoring the static and dynamic behavior of the Civic Tower to ensure its long-term safety.
How MonStr Works
- Smart Sensors: 9 MonStr devices (MON and MNA types) are installed across the tower—two per floor, except for the basement, which hosts one.
- AI-Powered Monitoring: These devices continuously collect and analyze data using artificial intelligence to identify anomalies before they become risks.
- Preventive Action: Real-time alerts allow for early intervention and targeted maintenance, shifting the approach from reactive to proactive.
Combining Tradition with Modern Technology
Blending historical preservation practices with modern SHM technology opens new possibilities for sustainable conservation. Here’s how MonStr complements ancient methods:
- Data-Driven Maintenance: Align modern insights with historic inspection routines to create smarter, personalized maintenance plans.
- Craftsman Training: Equip local restorers with MonStr tools while honoring traditional techniques, preserving cultural authenticity.
- Material Compatibility Studies: Use MonStr data to analyze how materials like lime mortar or natural resins react under stress.
- Educational Outreach: Showcase how heritage sites like the Civic Tower benefit from fusing old and new preservation strategies.
- Sustainable Restoration: Leverage AI diagnostics to reduce intrusive interventions, echoing the minimalist maintenance ideals of past eras.
Project Objective
The goal is to monitor the Civic Tower’s structural health continuously for two years, using AI to identify anomalies early, prevent risks, and ensure the safety and longevity of this invaluable heritage site.
Why This Matters for Historical Societies
With MonStr, cultural organizations and public institutions can shift from reactive to proactive conservation. Key benefits include:
- Receive real-time alerts and data for early action
- Access tailored reports for restoration planning
- Maintain a digital archive of structural behavior
- Integrate smart tools into traditional workflows with expert support
The Result: Proactive, Respectful Preservation
By blending ancient craftsmanship with modern technology, we gain a clear, detailed understanding of the Civic Tower’s health. This approach ensures proactive maintenance while honoring traditional methods, securing our heritage for generations to come.
Join Us in Protecting Our Shared History
We invite cultural heritage organizations, restoration professionals, and historical societies to collaborate with us. Let’s protect history using smart, respectful, and sustainable methods.
Prevention is the key to preservation.
Learn more about how ASDEA MonStr System can support your conservation goals:
References:
- Hao, Y., Yao, Z., Wu, R. et al. (2024). Damage and restoration technology of historic buildings of brick and wood structures: a review. Herit Sci 12, 301. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-024-01422-y
- https://www.witpress.com/Secure/elibrary/papers/STR99/STR99053FU.pdf
- Casarin, F. Structural Health Monitoring of Historical Buildings: Preventive and Post-Earthquake Controls
- Rossi, M., & Bournas, D. (2022). Structural Health Monitoring and Management of Cultural Heritage Structures: A State-of-the-Art Review. Applied Sciences, 13(11), 6450. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116450
- https://asdea.eu/hardware/
- https://www.scipedia.com/wd/images/6/66/Morrison_Burrill_2021a_8901_p604.pdf
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