Damage evaluation and conservation treatment of the tenth century Korean rock-carved Buddha statues

Abstract

This study focuses on the lithological characterization, quantitative deterioration assessment and conservation treatment of the tenth century rock-carved Buddha statues in Korea. The Buddha statues were carved on light gray macrocrystalline biotite granite, and features microcline phenocrysts and pegmatite patches. The rock-forming minerals are quartz, plagioclase, microcline and biotite showing micrographic and porphyritic textures. Feldspars and biotite in the host rock have been partly altered into sericite and chlorite by weathering. The surface of the Buddha statues is remarkably irregular due to granular disintegration and the differential weathering of the quartz and microcline. In addition, horizontal and vertical cracks in the host rock have promoted mechanical weathering. Biological colonization of the statues was serious, and featured dark gray and yellowish green lichen, dark green bryophyte and some plants. The Buddha statues were evaluated as the highly weathered rock by ultrasonic survey. The lower parts under the influence of water and areas with severely broken surfaces showed a much more advanced weathering grade. Therefore, scientific conservation treatment was carried out for the long-term maintenance and conservation of the Buddha statues. After pretests, dry, wet and chemical cleanings were applied to the statues. Next, joining of cracked parts and surface consolidating were executed. Finally, the site environment was improved by installation of drain and trimming trees around the statues to ensure more stable longterm conservation.

A Study on Selection of Ultrasonic Transducer and Contact Material for Surface Irregularities of Stone Cultural Heritage

“…심한 편이다 (Cho et al, 2010;Lee et al, 2011). 장석은 수 화반응과 가수분해에 의해 견운모나 고령석으로 쉽게 풍 화되는 반면 석영은 상대적으로 풍화에 강해 입상으로 존 재하기 때문이다 (Nagano and Nakashima, 1989) …”

Establishment of Ultrasonic Measurement Method for Stone Cultural Heritage Considering Water Content and Anisotropy

“…암석의 강도와 물성을 측정하는 방법에는 대표적으로 파괴를 동반하는 압축강도 시험과 비파괴방법인 초음파 측정이 있다 (Vishnu et al, 2010) (Sharma and Singh, 2008). 특히 이 방법은 현장 적용성과 기기적 내구성이 뛰어나 석조문화유산의 풍화도 평가에 널리 사용되고 있으며 (Lee et al, 2011;Jo et al, 2012;Fort et al, 2013), 최근에는 손상도 모니터링을 비 롯한 보존처리 지침에도 활용되고 있다 (Guadagnuolo et al, 2014).…”

Non-contact restoration of missing parts of stone Buddha statue based on three-dimensional virtual modeling and assembly simulation

“…Cultural artifacts are often damaged by exposure to natural or arti cial environmental factors, which might lower their historical value or signi cance [1][2][3][4]. Traditionally, functional repair and aesthetic restoration are undertaken to recover the original form of damaged cultural artifacts [5,6]; recently, various conservation methods using advanced technologies and new materials are being applied in the process of restoring damaged cultural artifacts [7][8][9][10]. In particular, when a cultural artifact loses its historical value and shape, the restoration effort focuses on recovering the whole or partial shape of a certain period by thorough historical research and consultation with experts [11][12][13].…”