In-Situ Tests of Thermal Conductance on Quartz-Sandstone Historical Walls in Sicily

This paper shows the results of in-situ measurements of thermal conductance carried out on historical walls made of quartz sandstone. Three tests were performed on masonry walls located in three historic centers in Sicily, where this type of rock recurs in the architectural heritage of many villages. The test procedure complies with standard EN ISO 9869-1. Thermal conductance from in-situ measurements was compared with values calculated according to standard EN 6946. For calculation, the thermal conductivity of stone was taken from two sources: general standard collections, and laboratory tests already available for one of the inspected historic centers. The comparison between in-situ test and calculation shows that the latter overestimates the former. The discrepancy is sensibly reduced if the thermal properties of stone used in local historic buildings have been characterized.