Calcestruzzi armati a vista e rivestiti: tecniche innovative di analisi e di conservazione nell’opera di Carlo Scarpa e Pier Luigi Nervi

This paper aims to illustrate the problems of conservation and intervention with reference to two specific issues: the exposed reinforced concrete characterized by peculiar formal values and reinforced concrete characterized by surface painting. The first example illustrates the methods of analysis and conservation of the concrete surfaces into Carlo Scarpa’s work, in particular for the Tomba Brion’s case study. The path of knowledge applied has allowed to define the conservation interventions on the concrete. The outcome of the investigation phase consents the testing of the interventions on a portion of the walls and then, once validated, to extend them to the entire complex. The second case study refers to the Halls B and C of Pier Luigi Nervi in Torino Esposizioni, object of the Getty Grant Kim - Keeping It Modern, KIM 2019. Hidden by several layers of white paint, the almost forgotten polychromy of the Nervi Halls emerges from historical images. Specific theoretical and technical critical issues regarding the conservation of the pictorial layers in relation to reinforced concrete elements and the application of cortical protective material are outlined. For this reason, the KIM ferrocement trial project, has provided a specific series of samples, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of protective products and monitor the progress of corrosion status.