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Abstract

This paper presents an original contribution with assessment of the current state in exploitation safety and usability of thin concrete domes of the beauteous Subotica Synagogue, built in 1902. The authors are analyzing the condition of the materials used in the Subotica Synagogue, on extracted samples of concrete and steel reinforcement with a binder which was used instead of cement, a gypsum -CaSO4×0,5H2O. The source of the problem, according to the author, is the lack of limeCa(OH)2 from the mixture of gypsum and pozzolanic aggregates made of baked clay. This is the main reason for poor concrete strength of only 7.6 MPa and the present significant corrosion processes in the steel reinforcement of that concrete, which far from the recommended values of pH ≥ 12, have a measured value of only pH = 7.55. These results advise a need for repair of the part of the building that has not been analyzed or investigated yet, partially due to difficult access and also apparently good condition, since cracks, larger deformation or collapse have not appeared yet. The condensation on the domes is damaging the painted decorations with gilding which is falling and reduces the exploitation safety and the mood of the visitors and believers, who came to the synagogue. The authors are proposing a method for rehabilitation of the vaults and ribs of the beautiful Subotica Synagogue domes by simultaneously satisfying the exploitation safety and avoiding the occurrence of condensation and damaging of the painted and gilded ceilings. We believe that the article will inspire and have a positive effect in the professional and scientific society so in other synagogues in Europe and around the world the exploitation usability of vaults will be inspected and if necessary, possible repairs can be made in the same or any similar way as proposed in this scientific work.

Research presented in this paper considers the problem of the Synagogue restoration in Subotica, built in 1902, which has been deprived of its basic function, left without financial means for maintenance due to the changes in the social, economic system and great changes in the population structure during the First and Second World War. Lack of financial resources, poor interest for the building and Balkan wars in nineties caused that the restoration works on the synagogue were performed partially, where often several construction seasons had to elapse before the next works were undertaken. This resulted also in decay of those parts of building that have already been restored or conserved earlier. Today it seems that there is a solution to complete the restoration and revitalization works of a synagogue, building that was four times on the World Monuments Watch list and in 2014 listed among"7 Most Endangered monuments" by Europa Nostra programme. The primary objective of this paper is to highlight the importance of a continuous process of maintenance and conservation to preserve building heritage, which has to actively involve all levels from government to the citizens and their initiatives.