Lightning Protection of Historical Buildings and Cultural Heritage Monuments: A Literature Review

Abstract

A literature review on lightning protection of historical buildings and cultural heritage monuments is conducted. Cases of lightning-related damages reported worldwide are presented to stress the need for an efficient lightning protection system (LPS) design, minimizing the risk of loss of human life and cultural heritage. The procedures adopted by the international standard IEC 62305:2010 for lightning risk assessment and LPS design are described. In addition, several cases of external LPS installed to monuments and landmarks worldwide are shown. The design of an LPS for the Parthenon monument in accordance with IEC 62305:2010 is presented; the proposed LPS is further evaluated by employing a stochastic lightning attachment model.