L'Abbazia di Santa Maria Assunta a Farneta in Val di Chiana. I restauri della cripta e i riflessi sulla stabilità delle strutture fondali

The history of the restoration joined to a survey of the building and precise data on the geological characteristics of its subsoil, showed a close relationship between past works and current instability regards the framework of the building. Extensive demolition involved the apses, while a large excavation led the foundations of the cript almost completely above the ground. In such conditions, the clay soil where the church lies is subject to strong instability: has a rapid drainage during periods of drought and an equally fast absorption of water during heavy rains. The proposed restoration does not aim in intervening directly on the structure of the church but, in maintaining a correct balance of soil moinsture content, an appropriate drainage and significantly limiting the soil foundations shrinkage.