Papers by Keyword: Cultural Heritage

Abstract: Paper-based cultural heritage is highly sensitive to cleaning processes, requiring materials that are mechanically safe, precisely applicable, and capable of preserving fiber and surface integrity. Conventional poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels often exhibit poor dimensional stability, leading to spreading outside the targeted treatment area, and high tackiness, which can damage paper surfaces. This study presents an optimized PVA-based hydrogel incorporating cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and tartaric acid (TA), with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer and borax as a crosslinker. The effects of different compositions and gelation methods on viscoelasticity, swelling, and water release were investigated. The abundant hydroxyl groups of CNF enhanced solvent absorption, increased swelling capacity, reduced tackiness, and improved the storage modulus of the hydrogel, while TA improved dimensional stability and PEG balanced stiffness with controlled water release. The formulation containing 4 wt% PVA, 0.3% CNF, 25% TA, 10% borax, and 1% PEG exhibited superior performance, with a storage modulus within the suitable range for cleaning (1,000–20,000 Pa), moderate swelling, low tackiness, and no residue on paper. These results highlight the contribution of nanoscale technology to hydrogel design and demonstrate the potential of the developed material as a safe and effective cleaning system for paper conservation.

Abstract: While microclimate studies tend to focus almost exclusively on large cities and densely urbanized areas, small historical villages are often left out of the scientific debate, despite their potential in terms of climate resilience, cultural value, and sustainable tourism development. This study explores the case of Sistelo, a historical village in northern Portugal, to investigate outdoor microclimatic conditions in a rural and heritage-rich setting. The research was structured in two complementary phases: an on-site monitoring campaign conducted during a springtime heatwave, involving detailed measurements across various outdoor spaces in the village; and a subsequent digital modelling and microclimate simulation based on historical average climatic data using specialized software. The comparison between the measured data and simulated results highlights meaningful discrepancies and raises questions about the representativeness of standard models in smaller settlements. This work aims to serve as a first step toward a more inclusive approach to microclimate analysis—one that recognizes the role of peripheral and small-scale contexts in shaping more nuanced and locally grounded climate and planning strategies.

Abstract: This project-based research examined the explorations of the Soekarno-Irian Barat Rupiah banknotes' visual element as textile motifs, which were then produced into a womenswear collection using the digital printing technique. The topic was chosen based on the phenomenon among the society that often sees money only as a payment tool, while actually, it bears more meanings for a nation, including historical, cultural, and political messages, which makes it eligible to be also known as a cultural heritage product that deserves to be preserved. One alternative to preserving the visual elements of a cultural heritage product is through textile and fashion products application. The project started with literature studies and interviews; explorations of motifs, designs, materials, and also style studies; and was completed with fabric and garments production. The considerations behind the aforementioned aspects in the methodology were made through a design thinking framework with mixed-methodological approach which combines qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The intended impact of this practice work is to create a new perspective towards banknotes as a case study for cultural heritage artefacts whose design elements can be preserved through product application in the creative industry, such as textile and fashion products.

Abstract: The churches of the Broumov region are renowned for their unique baroque architecture, their distinct shapes, and sizes. They are an integral part of the Czech cultural heritage. If you analyze the churches, it becomes evident that both the local geological conditions and the municipal economic situation have played an important role in their current condition. Moreover, the local construction industry has been significantly affected by historical events. In this article we would like to present the effects of those factors on the current state of selected churches, namely on the bearing capacity of their walls. Besides being very interesting, it also plays a key role in the maintenance and the potential reconstruction of the churches.

Abstract: Internet of Thing technology (IoT) is currently developed and IoT commercial networks are being operated and developed in the Czech Republic, as for example LoRa or SigFox. In order to monitor structures or environments (temperature or relative air humidity etc.) with use of these technologies, very cheap hardware can be used, as is the micro controller ESP32 (or its precursor ESP8266). More substantial part of costs represents programming and adjustment for the actual measurement. This article is containing pilot verification of the measuring system based on the above technology during the monitoring of relative displacements in cracks and temperatures of environment on the building structure of cultural monument Church of St. Martin in Zlatá Olešnice. We applied the measurement with sensors of displacement across cracks of the masonry structure in combination with the measurement of the air temperature. The measurement of some cracks proved that the relative displacement is significantly independent on the temperature and, therefore, the displacement is most likely influenced by the unstable conditions in the subsoil of the structure, which is also greatly affected by a ground moisture.

Abstract: In the last years, there has been a growing demand for renovations and redevelopment of older buildings that do not meet today's building standards. A very common problem is the insufficient, damaged or completely missing waterproofing of buildings, which leads to water (or moisture) penetration into the structure of the building, but there are several possibilities to disseminate moisture into structures. Many rehabilitation methods require mechanical intervention into the structure of the building, but we mustn’t forget the structures where these procedures cannot be used, specifically objects with a rich historical value, that are protected by the National Heritage Institute.This article is focused on suitability, functionality and possibilities of using a non-destructive method of drying historic masonry with microwave radiation. First the method of microwave drying is described in general, then its use in construction practice is explained. Following is a description of the experimental work carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. Outcome of this work is comparison of effects of microwave drying on samples of masonry containing three different types of building materials. One of these samples is made of brick construction, which has reached the age of 350 years. At the end, the results of the experiment and the consequent suggested recommendations are summarized.

Abstract: The Churches of the Broumov region are well known for their unique baroque architecture, distinct shapes, sizes, and constitutes an integral part of the Czech cultural heritage. The St. Barbara’s Church that has been studied in this article, is in the Otovice village of Broumov. It was built in the year 1726 by Bavarian architects Christoph Dientzenhofer and Kilian Ignaz and is significant because of its religious, artistic and historic values. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the structural safety and stability of St. Barbara’s Church based on a probabilistic approach. A deterministic assessment of the structure is carried out and the results are assessed concerning the present site condition. Depending upon the observed damages, a condition for failure is defined for the structure. The uncertainties in the material parameters are considered and reliability analysis is performed to determine the reliability index, probability of failure and influence of different material parameters in the structural stability.

Abstract: In recent years, the development of new procedures and solutions in the field of conservation has been very significant. The purpose of this article is to collect the main contributions of nanotechnology, in its multifunctional solutions applied in heritage, to offer a global vision of the state of the matter for both scientists and restaurateurs.Nanomaterials offer some advantages over traditional products, improved compatibility and efficiency and reducing the use of toxic organic solvents for humans and the environment. Solutions have been developed for both inorganic supports and organic supports for artistic, architectural and archaeological heritage. Especially relevant are the advances in consolidation processes, pH regulation and / or cleaning / elimination of alteration products on murals, frescoes or stone and in materials composed of cellulose and collagen.Also, nanotechnology is still a recent science and has yet to answer certain questions about its use protocols and reduce the possible risks to health.

Abstract: The lands of historical and cultural heritage represent a special category of the land fund of regions and settlements, having a socio-cultural value and historical significance. Business entities seek to extend their activities to the lands of historical and cultural heritage, placing their economic facilities within them. In this regard, the development of economic activities within this category of land is possible only with the observance of protective principles and regulations that limit possible violations of the protection status. Means of economic development in these areas may be special urban development projects that take into account the designated purpose of this category of land, subject to their conservation status.

Abstract: Nowadays due to the active step of urbanisation and rapid development of industry, the contamination of atmospheric air is one of the key aspects of environmental mechanics. Polluted air deteriorates the appearance of historical buildings and architectural monuments. With the help of modern methods, aimed at preservation of cultural heritage objects, it is possible to evaluate the impact of dusty air on the appearance of historical buildings in order to save them, because it is a demonstration of architectural and design features of various temporary periods.