Diagnosing Decay Mechanisms at the Porta Nocera Necropolis, Pompeii: The First Step Towards Effective Preventive Conservation

Michette, Martin; Bichlmair, Stefan; Kilian, Ralf

doi:10.1080/00393630.2018.1473197

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 15 publications

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“…Distinguishing between rapid and in-depth NDT protocols is vital to producing meaningful datasets. NDT can be used to support broad conceptual arguments (e.g., [41]) or investigate the need for further surveys (e.g., [42]). In these cases, small datasets based on individual point readings can suffice and calibrating measurements in controlled environments is not always necessary; the NDT is used to highlight spatial or temporal patterns.…”

Section: Non-destructive Testing (Ndt)mentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ, Non-Destructive Testing for Evaluating the Role of Pointing Mortar in Preventive Conservation Strategies. A Case-Study on Reigate Stone at the Wardrobe Tower, Tower of London

et al. 2021

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The correct choice of pointing mortar is considered crucial to the conservation of historic masonry. A proliferation of cement and eminently hydraulic lime mortars since the late 19th century has accelerated the deterioration of built cultural heritage in many parts of the world. Whilst the use of softer, lime-based mortars in stone conservation is now common practice, their role in the overall conservation strategy of highly vulnerable building stones such as Reigate Stone requires assessment. In this paper non-destructive testing (NDT) is used across a two-year period to investigate the impact of different pointing mortar types in situ. NDT data on surface hardness and moisture are interpreted at different scales to assess moisture regulation of Reigate Stone masonry at the Wardrobe Tower, a ruined structure at the Tower of London, following repointing carried out in Spring 2017. Joints repointed using a hydraulic lime mortar (NHL3.5) are shown to regulate moisture in adjacent Reigate Stone blocks less well than those repointed using a lime putty mortar. However, despite an initially inappropriate recipe, older hydraulic lime mortars are in some instances shown to perform similarly to the lime putty mortar, suggesting that NHL can weather sympathetically. The results also indicate that, whilst pointing mortar type does play a role in the moisture regulation of individual stones, its effect is outweighed by both properties of the stone itself, such as strength and past decay, and by wider micro-contextual factors, such as exposure or adjacent topography. Findings from the Wardrobe Tower indicate that pointing mortar only plays a part in overall moisture regulation; to enable its effective functioning and minimise the need for repeated interventions, it may be necessary to take additional protective measures to mitigate moisture ingress, such as water run-off and channelling following heavy rainfall. The overall implication is that in vulnerable historic masonry such as Reigate Stone, sustainable conservation strategies must incorporate a broad appraisal of, and tailored response to, specific decay mechanisms. With careful calibration across repeated survey campaigns, data collected in situ using NDT can inform the role of pointing mortar within such strategies.

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Section: Non-destructive Testing (Ndt)mentioning

confidence: 99%

In Situ, Non-Destructive Testing for Evaluating the Role of Pointing Mortar in Preventive Conservation Strategies. A Case-Study on Reigate Stone at the Wardrobe Tower, Tower of London

et al. 2021

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Assessing the suitability of local earth resources for use in clay barriers to protect historic masonry in Pompeii

et al. 2023

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This paper presents a case study for the testing of locally available resources selected to form a clay barrier. This is a promising technique for protecting historic masonry from ground moisture intrusion. There are several historical precedents for the use of calcareous, clayey soils to form moisture resilient barriers in architecture. More recently, specialised bentonite mixtures have arrived on the market. Assessment protocols for suitable barrier material will help establish general codes and the potential for this technique to make use of locally available resources, either in their raw state or in mixtures. In this project, a variety of different geo-materials are collected from around Pompeii to test their suitability for use in a barrier installation on a tomb in the archaeological site. The methodology consists of laboratory tests used in the assessment of barrier material for landfill engineering, and rapid tests used in earth construction. A mixture of a calcareous clay and a sand produced barrier material with suitable properties. The methodology can form the basis of assessments elsewhere, to further develop the potential of using locally available geo-resources for conservation and construction projects.

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Hygrothermal conditions in the tomb of Macridy Bey in the context of restoration, conservation and enhancement works

Giarma

Aravantinos

Athanassiou³

et al. 2023

Building and Environment

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Diagnosing Decay Mechanisms at the Porta Nocera Necropolis, Pompeii: The First Step Towards Effective Preventive Conservation

Cited by 5 publications

References 15 publications

In Situ, Non-Destructive Testing for Evaluating the Role of Pointing Mortar in Preventive Conservation Strategies. A Case-Study on Reigate Stone at the Wardrobe Tower, Tower of London

In Situ, Non-Destructive Testing for Evaluating the Role of Pointing Mortar in Preventive Conservation Strategies. A Case-Study on Reigate Stone at the Wardrobe Tower, Tower of London

Assessing the suitability of local earth resources for use in clay barriers to protect historic masonry in Pompeii

Hygrothermal conditions in the tomb of Macridy Bey in the context of restoration, conservation and enhancement works

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