Architectural heritage monitoring: implementing data-driven preservation for stone corbels with low-code app tools and reporting

The architectural heritage of historic centers, such as Florence, a UNESCO site, often faces issues, particularly structural detachments, posing a threat to the integrity of monuments. These can also represent a danger for citizens and tourists, necessitating urgent diagnostic tests and proactive monitoring. Our study strategically aligns with legislative prevention measures, focusing on developing a system for cataloging, mapping, and monitoring the vulnerabilities of the city’s historic stone elements. Corbels, essential components in historic structures, present a challenge due to their diverse shapes and sizes, making them susceptible to potential damage. Their gradual deterioration, linked to a decline in mechanical properties, highlights the importance of continuous monitoring to avoid risks and ensure public safety. Building upon the correlation between macroscopic degradation and compromised physical-mechanical features, our study has developed a targeted monitoring system designed to enhance the preservation of these architectural elements. The proposed approach provides on-site surveys, ensuring an efficient and prompt evaluation of the state of conservation of balcony corbels in historical buildings, exploiting advanced low-code tools, such as Microsoft Power Apps. The system’s reporting features are designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the gathered data, supported informed decision- making and external collaboration. Applied in Florence’s historic center, our solution has conducted surveys encompassing over 250 buildings and 1,000+ corbels. Beyond immediate property management needs, this initiative serves as a valuable resource for future heritage protection studies.