Besta Palace in Teglio (SO) – structural improvement of wooden ceiling structure

The planning of the structural improvement of the wooden structures on the second floor of the west wing of Besta Palace started from the thorough study of their structural weakness.

The topographic analysis of the wooden attic showed it to be out of its horizontal plan. The thickness of the wooden structure meant endoscopic video surveys were necessary and were sent in through micro holes made in the “modern” attic flooring. In this way, the wooden and steel beams were identified including the support structure that had been fitted during previous reinforcement. This also meant it was possible to verify the warping by eye where it was not able through the framework. 

Reinforcement was therefore carried out using a collaboration of wood and steel but without recourse to reinforced concrete as requested in the listed building.

As the building continued its function of museum during the reinforcement works, access was modified to guarantee both rebuilding and public access could go ahead unimpeded.

There was also a problem concerning load moving to be overcome, both in terms of access and inadequacy, of the structure. These difficulties were resolved through the study of reduction in weight of single elements to be moved and using site specific equipment.