Implementación de técnicas no invasivas para el estudio patológico en edificaciones patrimoniales

The conservation of heritage is a necessity for any country, given its relevance in strengthening the sense of belonging and national identity. In a period of crisis like the current one, where the economic situation threatens to restrict budgets for cultural heritage, it is essential to efficiently manage resources for their conservation and invest them from a scientific criterion. Generally, the study of heritage buildings requires an analysis of the construction pathology in order to define their conservation status. Traditionally, the techniques used are very basic, mainly focused on visual identification of the injuries present in the materials and through destructive procedures, which require collecting samples of the material and structure to process it in the laboratory, which can be unfavorable with the integrity of the building. Additionally, sometimes the damage is difficult or dangerous to access, which complicates the process of assessing injuries in heritage buildings. Therefore, the correct and scientifically supported use of non-invasive techniques that help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procedures and solutions is necessary. The project, developed from a multidisciplinary perspective, seeks to generate knowledge and experience in the implementation of non-invasive techniques, such as thermography, photogrammetry, ultrasound, laser scanning and microscopy, among others for the pathological study of Costa Rican heritage buildings. The National Museum of Costa Rica was chosen as a case of study because it is a set of emblematic heritage buildings and they are protected by law, in which damages can be analyzed in different types of materials, various construction systems of the XIX and XX century commonly used in the country, offering the opportunity to study them in one place; In addition, there is an extensive documented process of interventions, at least during the last 13 years. This project offers an opportunity to link the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica with the National Museum of Costa Rica, an institution of great prestige in the conservation of cultural and natural heritage, with the mutual benefit of generating knowledge regarding the implementation of non-invasive techniques applied to heritage that allows the improvement of processes in this matter at the national level. At the end of the project, the main products will be at least one scientific article to publish in an indexed journal, a guide for the pathological analysis of heritage buildings through the application of non-invasive techniques; a joint exhibition TEC - National Museum of Costa Rica, focused on the architectural, historical and pathological perspective of the property, and the use of non-invasive techniques at the service of the pathological analysis of heritage buildings; in addition to the digital file (database) of the National Museum and the technical memory of the historical and architectural study of the building complex of the National Museum. These products will serve as input for professionals for the correct decision making when establishing the processes of conservation and restoration of Costa Rican heritage buildings.

Generar conocimiento en la implementación de técnicas no invasivas para el estudio patológico de edificaciones patrimoniales costarricenses.

Líneas de investigación y extensión de la Escuela de Arquitectura y Urbanismo:
Línea 4: Patrimonio e identidad.
Líneas de investigación y extensión de la Escuela de Ingeniería Forestal:
Gestión de bienes y servicios de los recursos naturales.