Acoustic emission monitoring of the masonry bearing structures of the Racconigi Castle

The Acoustic Emission (AE) is an innovative monitoring method useful to detect developing damage, as well as to evaluate the evolution and the location of cracks. In this paper a new data processing system based on wireless AE equipment is used for a long term monitoring of an ancient masonry building. To this purpose, new computer-based procedures, including improved AE source location methods, are used to evaluate the AE evolution in the vertical bearing structures of the Racconigi Castle, one of the most important monuments in Piedmont (Italy).