Papers by Keyword: Consolidant

Abstract: The preservation and conservation of deteriorated historical structures is always a difficult but challenging task. Theoretically, all significant historic structures should be conserved and saved from being removed or discarded. Practically, this ideal may not always be achievable for all decayed components of the historic structures. Sometimes their conditions are too bad to be reasonably repaired to a safe state. On the other hand, replacement is not the only resort for all the damaged relics. There are situations that these relics should better be preserved, though more resources will have to be invested and greater challenge might be encountered in the course of work. This paper attempts to illustrate the deliberation with a case study - the preservation of wooden structures of Chik Kwai Study Hall in Hong Kong, and addresses the considerations in making decision between repair and replacement. Scientific or structural analysis has played a key role in directing our way to the final decision. Methodology used for guiding the whole conservation process will also be discussed.

Abstract: Historic stone materials have to deal with weathering. The desire to preserve cultural heritage created a wide variety of products to reduce the rate of stone decay and to strengthen decayed stone, but it is difficult to evaluate their protective efficiencies. In this paper, a simple preparation method of an imitation of weathering stone is reported. The imitation was prepared with calcium carbonate particles mixed with water. Then, using imitations as the consolidated objects, the consolidation efficiency of a novel biomimetic protectant was investigated. The experimental results indicate that the evaluation method is simple and feasible, and the selected protectant does perform a favorable function of consolidant. The characterization method is helpful in numerically giving some direct indications of the consolidation effectiveness.

Abstract: Consolidants are sols or solutions that are used to restore the strength of weathered stone. The liquids are drawn into the pores of stone by capillary suction, then they harden by gelation and/or drying. In this chapter, we discuss the requirements that such a material must fulfill, and demonstrate the effectiveness of consolidants based on alkoxysilanes and alkylalkoxysilanes.