ABSTRACT
For thousands of years, humans have made buildings using natural materials carefully laid in place according to “building practices”.
New construction materials have been produced by modern industry for about two centuries, initially steel and concrete and subsequently asbestos, resins, composite materials etc. Despite their remarkable properties, these new materials display a low level of compatibility with ancient materials, due to physical and chemical problems as well as their limited durability. All this has led to serious problems which have jeopardised the conservation of historic architecture.
The chapter features a list of traditional and innovative materials, highlighting their main characteristics.
