Concrete heritage : challenges in conservation

The development of concrete in the 19th & 20th centuries led to new possibilities and advancement in construction. Concrete was exploited to address the post-war needs for economical and faster construction. Significant reinforced concrete structures are recognized as cultural heritage. Long term durability problems present conservation challenges and the understanding of failure mechanisms is fundamental for restoration. The diagnosis of historic structures, materials investigation, monitoring and assessment are important steps towards the understanding of deterioration and appraisal of concrete heritage. Long-term effects of conservation and repair also need to be considered. The assessment of concrete heritage is addressed through military and industrial heritage concrete structures in Malta, including coastal structures in aggressive environments. A methodology for appraisal is proposed taking into consideration materials and structural performance and degradation mechanisms.peer-reviewe

Aquatic refuges for surviving a global catastrophe

Recently many methods for reducing the risk of human extinction have been suggested, including building refuges underground and in space. Here we will discuss the perspective of using military nuclear submarines or their derivatives to ensure the survival of a small portion of humanity who will be able to rebuild human civilization after a large catastrophe. We will show that it is a very cost-effective way to build refuges, and viable solutions exist for various budgets and timeframes. Nuclear submarines are surface independent, and could provide energy, oxygen, fresh water and perhaps even food for their inhabitants for years. They are able to withstand close nuclear explosions and radiation. They are able to maintain isolation from biological attacks and most known weapons. They already exist and need only small adaptation to be used as refuges. But building refuges is only “Plan B” of existential risk preparation; it is better to eliminate such risks than try to survive them

A short historical overview on the use of lead

This historical introduction to the use of lead in art and technology was originally written to give context to lead conservation studies by the authors. The intention is to bring many rel- evant studies on lead together starting a discussion, which stresses that it was once impossi- ble to imagine a life without lead, and its alloys and compounds. Despite its environmental and health problems, lead remains ubiquitous even in modern technology for example in roofing, as an important component in low melting point or low friction alloys, in batteries and munitions

The Historical and Archaeological Analysis of the Swords of La Belle

ABSTRACT This research involves the conservation, historical and archaeological analysis of a cache of swords recovered from the 17th-century French shipwreck La Belle. The central premise of my research model is the incorporation of the theories and methodologies of several convergent disciplines; concentrating on the material and cultural aspect of these weapons, and the technical processes involved with their conservation. The integration of the conservation process and research results with the archaeological evidence, both objects and context, can lead to new methods of archaeological inquiry. The details of materials composition and structure, sequence of processing, properties, performance, or use should define the way modern material culture research is conducted. This research approach seeks to answer such relevant questions as what is the past and current history of the sword types recovered from La Belle? What materials, technology or skilled craft aided in the production of these swords and their individual components? What was the practical and symbolic function of these edged weapons? Subsequently, the data lead to interpretations of the finds and their broader meaning within the context of the shipwreck itself. I am convinced that the research presented in this dissertation will help to facilitate a wider dialogue about swords and other edged weapons among weapons historians and archaeologists. The conservator is dedicated to maintaining the long-term preservation of cultural artifacts through examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care and research. Conservation is an interdisciplinary field involving knowledge and skills acquired from a number of diverse disciplines in the arts and sciences. As a result, conservators must have a working knowledge of materials technology, chemistry, biology, physics, art history, and archaeology. The results of the case studies discussed in chapter six, though limited in scope, proved most promising, indicating that there are always viable alternatives to the methods and materials used by artifact conservation and preservation. The collaboration between conservators and experts in other related fields, such as conservation science, computer science, radiography, digital imaging, and rapid-prototyping technology is critical to the successful practice of artifact conservation and interpretation

Special Libraries, November 1912

Volume 3, Issue 9https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1912/1008/thumbnail.jp

Advanced composite materials and processes

Composites are generally defined as two or more individual materials, which, when combined into a single material system, results in improved physical and/or mechanical properties. The freedom of choice of the starting components for composites allows the generation of materials that can be specifically tailored to meet a variety of applications. Advanced composites are described as a combination of high strength fibers and high performance polymer matrix materials. These advanced materials are required to permit future aircraft and spacecraft to perform in extended environments. Advanced composite precursor materials, processes for conversion of these materials to structures, and selected applications for composites are reviewed

Archaeological Connexions Between Lyres, Poetry and Power in Barbarian Europe

Wenngleich Musik heutzutage überwiegend der Entspannung dient, kann sie auch Rituale begleiten und Hinweise auf soziale und politische Zugehörigkeiten liefern. Musizierende können in die unmittelbare Nähe zur politischen Führung geraten und so politischen Absichten dienen. Neue Instrumentenfunde in Gräbern des 5. bis 8. Jhd. aus dem nördlichen und atlantischen Europa lassen auf die politische Bedeutung antiker Leiermusik schließen. Während in historischen Berichten über Sänger, ihre politischen Verbindungen und diplo-matischen Handlungen alte Lieder mit Politik in Verbindung gebracht werden, fungieren archäologische Funde als materielle Repräsentanten politischer agency. Könnten analog da-zu recht ähnliche, aus der frühen Eisenzeit stammende Funde als Ausdruck politischen Handelns in schriftlosem Umfeld verstanden werden