Smart cool mortar for passive cooling of historical and existing buildings: experimental analysis and dynamic simulation

In order to mitigate Urban Heat Island Effect and global warming, both governments and scientific community are working to reduce energy consumptions. In particular, the construction sector has a high potential in reducing energy demand, by means of both active and passive solutions. The European building stock is mainly composed by existing buildings as well as historical ones, which happens to be the less energy efficient ones. Moreover, retrofit operations are more complex on historical buildings, due to strict regulations for the preservation of such historical and cultural heritage. Considering this challenge, in this work we described and in lab analyzed possible passive solutions specifically designed for historical and existing buildings. In particular, we developed innovative cool colored mortars and tested them in lab, as well as investigated cool colored mortars, cool clay tiles and cool natural gravels performance when applied as envelope and roof elements, by means of dynamic simulation

Technological requirements for solutions in the conservation and protection of historic monuments and archaeological remains

Executive summary: This Study has discovered many achievements associated with European support for scientific and technological research for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. The achievements to date are: 1. Creation of an active research community 2. A body of research of unparalleled and enviable international quality and character 3. Ongoing effectiveness of research beyond initial funding 4. Substantial rate of publication 5. Imaginative tools of dissemination and publication 6. Clear spin-offs and contribution to European competitiveness often going outside the European cultural heritage area 7. Contribution to emerging European legislation, for example, air quality management. The Study has also uncovered important research gaps associated with this field that have yet to begin to be investigated. It has also discovered the need for continuing fine scale advancement in areas where researchers have been active for a number of years. The overall picture is that European research in the field of cultural heritage protection must be put on a secure footing if it is to maintain its commanding lead over other regions of the world. This Study concludes that: 1. It would be invidious to attempt to separate basic and applied research in this area of research. Like any other scientific endeavour, this field needs to integrate basic and applied research if it is to continue to thrive. 2. Small, flexible, focused interdisciplinary teams responsive to European needs, must be sustained, promoted and celebrated as models of sustainability and that what is proposed under the European Research Area (ERA) for large and complex research projects, could inflict serious damage on this area of research. 3. Resources cannot be delegated to Member States because of the interdisciplinary nature of cultural heritage and the need for a co-ordinated pan-European perspective across this research that helps to define the essential character of European cultural heritage. National programmes only serve local needs, leading to loss of strategic output, lessening of competitiveness and risk of duplication. 4. A mechanism needs to be created to help researchers working in this field to communicate and exchange information with related sectors such as construction, urban regeneration, land reclamation and agriculture. 5. There is overwhelming agreement over the need for sustainable research funding for cultural heritage and for an iterative process of exchange among researchers, decision-makers and end-users in order to maximize benefits from project inception through to dissemination, audit and review. For all the reasons mentioned above, the most significant recommendation in this Report is the identification of the need for a European Panel on the Application of Science for Cultural Heritage (EPASCH)

RILEM TC 277-LHS REPORT: A review on the mechanisms of setting and hardening of lime-based binding systems

The main objective of RILEM TC LHS-277 “Specifications for testing and evaluation of lime-based repair materials for historic Structures” is the revision, adaption and, when necessary proposal, of the test methods to accurately study lime-based binding systems and mixtures, such as mortars and grouts. The empiric use of the lime-based composites and the predominant employ of cement in the field of Civil Engineering have led to the widespread application of test methods developed for cement-based composites to test the former. However, the clear differences in composition and performance between modern cement binders and lime-based materials would advise to explore specific test methods for the latter. To undertake this task the previous knowledge on the mechanisms of setting and hardening of these binders must be revised, arranged and synthesized. Processes such as drying, carbonation, hydration and pozzolanic reaction may occur during the setting and hardening of lime-based mortars and competition between them cannot be underestimated. With the aim of underpinning the revision and proposal of test methods for lime-based systems, this review paper reports a comprehensive study of the mechanisms of setting and hardening of these binders, considering the variability of the composition, which includes pure air lime as well as lime with hydraulic properties, lime-cement and lime-pozzolan systems.authorsversionpublishe

Historical Arch Bridges-Deterioration and Restoration Techniques

Historic buildings are the most valuable evidence of cultural heritage. They play an essential role in establishing a tangible link between the past and the present by understanding, interpreting, and tracing the epoch of civilization. Unfortunately, the high costs of restoration, vandalism, and arson take their toll. However, new technologies are having a positive impact on the restoration process and are becoming a suitable alternative to labor-intensive, expensive, and unsafe traditional inspections. Therefore, the role of non-destructive testing (NDT) as a new method is becoming more evident. Faro laser scanning, impact echo, impulse sound testing, and geoelectric tomography as non-destructive methods are leading to the inspection of historic structures to preserve their character. These new methods are representative of the development of non-contact techniques for the examination and documentation of structures. Non-destructive testing examines the internal and external structure of complex building components as well as defective areas, quantifies cracks, and detects near-surface moisture. The objective of this work is to identify new adventurous and traditional methods for the reconstruction of the Turkish arch bridges Dara-1 and Halilviran to determine the appropriate rehabilitation methods and their deterioration of construction materials, damage, and failure patterns. Bridge dimensions were measured using a Faro laser scanner, which allows inspectors to capture and evaluate data from bridges and structural components without permanently altering them. The laser captures bridge dimensions by scanning cross-sections of the structure in the horizontal and vertical planes. The data is exported in the form of point clouds that represent all visible aspects and actual dimensions of the bridge in 2D and 3D models. In comparison between traditional and laser scanning methods, the main advantages of the applied method are the time savings on-site and the creation of a three-dimensional model of the structure, which can be used to collect precise and accurate surface data of objects in a non-destructive manner. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-07-010 Full Text: PD

Mobile spectroscopic instrumentation in archaeometry research

Mobile instrumentation is of growing importance to archaeometry research. Equipment is utilized in the field or at museums, thus avoiding transportation or risk of damage to valuable artifacts. Many spectroscopic techniques are nondestructive and micro-destructive in nature, which preserves the cultural heritage objects themselves. This review includes over 160 references pertaining to the use of mobile spectroscopy for archaeometry. Following a discussion of terminology related to mobile instrumental methods, results of a literature survey on their applications for cultural heritage objects is presented. Sections devoted to specific techniques are then provided: Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and less frequently used techniques. The review closes with a discussion of combined instrumental approaches

Rehabilitation of renders of old buildings in Portugal: survey, supporting methodology proposal and case study

The main purpose of the research is to present a proposal for a methodology to support the rehabilitation project of renders of old buildings in Portugal. To achieve the objective it was considered essential to define the main types of participants and aspects to integrate the proposal. The research methodology consists in an inquiry presented to professional participants in rehabilitation, a market study of materials and products available in Portugal, the design of a methodology proposal and its application to a case study. The inquiry sample totals 24 answers from the targeted professionals. A sequence of relevant supporting procedures consists in the proposal, which aims to provide a supporting methodology to decide and project in this context and also to be tested with its application to the building. This proposal was applied to an old building with load-bearing stone masonry walls and air-lime based renders. It was concluded that the assessment of the building and external renderings’ condition, its diagnosis and of the supporting walls, the definition of intervention, the specification of materials to be used and performance requirements to comply, and also plans for conservation and periodic maintenance, are crucial. From the inquiry, compatibility between materials and complementary roles and points of view of different types of participants in rehabilitation must be highlighted. A proposal for a methodology to support the project could provide useful guidance particularly for architects and construction engineers, and improve the understanding of direct participants on site, therefore contributing for the correct implementation of intervention

Reusing Brick: Properties of Brick to Mortar Bond Strength

Brick and mortar is one of the most common wall systems used in the past several thousand years. These two components have evolved over the centuries as h as our scientific understanding of their performance. As brick and mortar wall science develops industry professionals need to reevaluate the design criteria, means and methods of construction and the performance expectations for these advanced wall systems. Building with used bricks was last critically evaluated over 80 years ago and based on the findings at that time; the industry has generally avoided rebuilding with used bricks. However, much has changed since then and this thesis revisits the topic of reusing bricks. This thesis addresses the performance of brick to mortar bond strength when reusing the same brick. This study aims to clarify the role of brick cleaning methods on flexural bond strength and to provide information that will improve the performance of brick to mortar building construction. Based on the results obtained, the following conclusions were made 1. New bricks had the highest initial rate of absorption (IRA), followed by reclaimed bricks cleaned via Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 procedures. 2. The flexural bond strength of brick to mortar increases as brick is cleaned more forcefully. Washing bricks with acid proved to be the most effective in increasing bond strength. 3. Flexural bond strength decreases as the average IRA of bricks increases. 4. Flexural bond strength of reclaimed brick is higher than that of new brick. Flexural bond strengths increased after mortar was applied for the second time

Research Advances for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Because European Cultural Heritage is an invaluable legacy, the Ministry for Science and Innovation funded the Spanish Network on Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage (TechnoHeritage), which began its activities in March 2011.Currently seventy five groups participate in the Network, including Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Spanish universities teams, cultural institutions, foundations and museums, and private companies. One of the activities of the Network is the organization of annual meetings. This International Congress—organised on behalf of TechnoHeritage by the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela— has a goal of creating an interdisciplinary forum for discussion on all aspects of cultural heritage conservation while providing an up-to-date and comprehensive picture of the state-of-the-art investigations in this field