Mapping the lithoceramic claddings conservation status in a BIM environment

Italian Modern Movement architecture is characterized above all by the research and use of innovative, experimental and autarkic materials. Lithoceramics is one of the most interesting and widespread cladding materials and represents the Italian reinterpretation of klinker, a very popular ceramic material in Germany and in the Netherlands. Despite the excellent technical performances of the ceramic cladding, increasingly frequent detachment episodes make maintenance interventions necessary on this building stock. Starting from a brief illustration of the characteristics of lithoceramics and of the most significant applications, the paper intends to present a BIM-based digitization methodology for mapping the conservation status of this façade cladding technology, through exemplification on a significant case study. The BIM model contains all the information necessary for the mapping of the state of conservation, for the recovery and maintenance activities of the ceramic elements. The proposed methodology allows a faster and more efficient visualization of the present faults and proposes a targeted intervention system, in relation to the detected fault. This approach contributes to protecting the historical connotation of this building heritage, favoring restoration and cleaning, reducing the time and, consequently, costs of maintenance.