Studio Croci & Associati and SPC Engineering
Studio Croci & Associati was founded in 2004 thanks to a group of highly esteemed and experienced engineers and architects who over the years have achieved a position of excellence in various fields, particularly in the restoration and consolidation of historic buildings, protected monuments and pieces of art, using innovative and latest-generation composite materials.
The studio’s activity extends from traditional structural and architectural design to the creation of static and dynamic monitoring systems, which allow the control of multiple structural aspects: from lesions to foundation subsidence, from the inclination of structures to vibrations, including simulations of seismic events.
In these specialized activities, Studio Croci collaborates with SPC Engineering. Founded in 1985, SPC Engineering obtained in 2007 the quality certification in structural design, consolidation of historic buildings, construction management, safety coordination, on-site investigations and laboratory tests on materials. In March 2022, it obtained authorization from the Higher Council of Public Works to carry out tests on existing buildings as an authorized laboratory.
Among the most significant works of Studio Croci and SPC Engineering, we mention in Italy, in Rome, the Trajan’s Markets, the Domus Tiberiana, the Villa Borghese, the Cryptoporticus, the Farnese Gardens. Furthermore, they were charged with the dismantling, transport and reassembly of the Stele of Axum (Ethiopia) and they were responsible for monitoring other archaeological sites abroad, in Zimbabwe, the Great Mosque and the Hospital of Divrigi in Turkey, the project for the Basilica of the Holy Monastery in Sinai and the Pyramid of Chefren, both in Egypt. They also carried out monitoring interventions in Petra (Jordan) and Angkor Wat (Cambodia).
The Monastery of the Church of the Virgin in Gelati in Kutaisi – Georgia.
The Gelati Monastery of the Church of the Virgin is located near Kutaisi, Georgia, and is one of the most precious treasures of Georgian cultural and religious heritage. The building, founded in 1106 by order of King David IV the Builder, is considered a true masterpiece of medieval Georgian architecture. The monastery complex is distinguished by the extraordinary richness of its decorative elements: majestic frescoes, mosaics and richly decorated walls show the artistic refinement of the era. For centuries, Gelati was not only a spiritual center, but also home to one of the most prestigious medieval academies. Its exceptional historical and artistic value led to the monastery being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
The deterioration of the Gelati Monastery and the monitoring system installed
In the past years, the complex has shown signs of deterioration. The structure has begun to show structural deformations, while humidity problems have compromised both the walls and the frescoes, threatening the architectural integrity of the building and the preservation of its artistic heritage.
To deal with this critical situation, Studio Croci & Associati, in collaboration with a local partner (VIstudio), was designated to install a structural monitoring system. The intervention involved the installation of a network of sensors capable of accurately detecting and recording three fundamental parameters: structural movements, temperature and environmental humidity levels. This integrated system allows for continuous and extensive assessment of the building’s conditions, providing essential data to evaluate the state of conservation of the structure over time.
The monitoring system consists of:
- 2 displacement transducers to control the opening/closing of the fissures;
- 4 wire displacement meters to control the opening/closing of the fissures;
- 6 sensors to measure the internal and external environmental temperature;
- 3 data loggers;
- 1 LPWA Sigfox/EIT Smart micr BS for data transfer, powered by small 15×15 cm solar panels;
- a software for data visualization and storage on a web server platform.
Studio Croci & Associati implemented an advanced structural monitoring system based on an autonomous datalogger, designed to operate in a fully automated way. This device acquires and records data according to a predefined schedule, saving them locally on an SD card, until they are transferred to the user system via the Sigfox network. The datalogger transmits the data via the 0G Sigfox protocol to the LPWA modem, which is connected to the network via a local SIM. The acquired data is also stored in the cloud, ensuring a double security in the information storage.
The system is really flexible thanks to its ability to interface with a wide range of sensors, adapting to different types of analog signals and conductor configurations. A particularly significant aspect is the ability of the software to automatically convert electrical measurements (Volts, Amperes, Ohms) into the corresponding physical units such as temperature, force, deformation and rotation, making the data immediately understandable in their application.
Through a dedicated web portal, it is possible to constantly visualize the evolution of the fissures and the humidity levels present in the church. The recent implementation of artificial intelligence has brought a significant improvement in data analysis, generating graphs and interpretations that are easily understandable even for less experienced users.
A key feature of the system is the ability to set custom alert thresholds for each monitored parameter. When these values are exceeded, the system automatically sends notifications via email or Telegram, allowing for a timely response to potential critical situations.
The benefits of choosing EIT Smart and the 0G Sigfox network
The installed system that transfers data via the 0G Sigfox network offers significant advantages in terms of operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness:
The location of the wireless control units close to the sensors eliminates the need for complex wiring, drastically reducing installation and maintenance costs.
The network architecture guarantees high performance, maintaining flexibility and scalability for future expansions of the monitoring system.
Energy efficiency is a key strength: low energy consumption ensures a long life of the sensor batteries, while the power supply of the 0G Sigfox modem is guaranteed indefinitely thanks to three solar panels that provide continuous charging.
The choice of EIT Smart, exclusive dealer in Italy of 0G Sigfox technology, as a technological partner was determined by the flexibility and availability of the company in providing customized solutions to the specific needs of the project and performing in every condition and situation.
The combination of all these elements ensures a reliable, economical and sustainable monitoring system in the long term.
