Scaling in damage by electrical resistance measurements: an application to the terracotta statues of the Sacred Mountain of Varallo Renaissance Complex (Italy)

This study concerns the assessment of damage by electrical resistance measurements on laboratory mortar specimens and terracotta statues experiencing different stress conditions. The evolution of damage based on changing resistance shows agreement with theoretical predictions of continuum damage mechanics. We show that continuum damage models provide also theoretical support to estimate statues’ residual lifetime by correlating in situ electrical resistance measurements with measurements on the laboratory specimens. Damage assessment based on electrical resistance measurements was carried out on three life-size terracotta statues located in Chapel 17 of the Sacred Mountain of Varallo Renaissance Complex (Italy).