The assessment and protection of cultural heritage masonry structures is a challenging task, which certainly requires an interdisciplinary approach. A detailed knowledge process is a crucial step in such a field, not only to determine the current configuration of the structures, but also to fully understand the historical evolution of the construction. This is fundamental to derive precious information on constructions’ technologies adopted over time, to define alterations which occurred in the life of the construction, and to correctly assess potential intervention aiming at preserving historical and architectural heritage to future generations. Requirements with respect to authenticity and compatibility with original materials are mandatory in the field of conservation, maintenance or restoration interventions of historical and architectural heritage constructions. Furthermore, particular care should be devoted to the definition of low-impact interventions aimed at reducing the seismic risk, also ensuring reversibility, compatibility, and durability requirements. Thus, an integrated approach is necessary to define design solutions based on innovative processes, materials, and construction techniques. In such a context, the Special Issue deals with studies and researches focusing on methodologies for the assessment of cultural heritage masonry structures and for the design of effective and low-impact repair and retrofit intervention on cultural heritage masonry structures with innovative solutions, materials or with innovative seismic devices. Studies involving integrated diagnostic approaches that should encompass different methodologies, including nondestructive tests (NDTs) on both the single building materials and the masonry assemblages and proper calibration of their outcomes with those coming from destructive tests (DTs) are strongly appreciated. Refined numerical analyses, design procedure, and modeling of interventions are also of particular interest. Furthermore, real case studies related to design solutions aimed at the preservation and the reduction of future losses are also encouraged.
Keywords: Cultural heritage; Historical structures; Preservation; Repair/retrofit interventions; Seismic strengthening; Nondestructive tests; Numerical analyses; Innovative techniques; Low impact interventions.