The building materials of the Lorenese Forts of the Tuscan coast

This work examines the natural and artificial stone materials (mortars and bricks) used in the construction of the fortifications realized by the Grand Duke of Tuscany Pietro Leopoldo between 1786 and 1793 along the Tuscan coast. The aim is to verify the possible relationship between the materials used and the stone resources and raw materials (clays for bricks and limestone for the production of lime) of the individual territories, or to ascertain a standardised use of materials, with origin from a single production centre. Furthermore, the state of conservation of these fortifications in relation to decay phenomena will be examined, trying to highlight the influence of environmental factors and the characteristics of the stone materials.