Hydric dilation of Mount Nemrut sandstones and its control by surfactants

Hydric dilation measurements of Mount Nemrut sandstones, using a linear variation differential transformer (LVDT), were used to quantify in order to understand the effect of wetting-drying cycles on Mount Nemrut sandstones. Trials with some surfactants to inhibit swelling, resulting from the clay minerals in the structure, were investigated in order to propose some conservation treatments for the Mount Nemrut monument sandstones. The hydric dilation measurements of surfactant-treated sandstones showed some decrease in swelling. Diaminoalkine (DAA) seemed to be most successful surfactant for the inhibition of clay swelling, which is in accordance with previous studies. In this study, hydric dilation was decreased by 40% with the use of DAA. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved

QR coded 3D prints of cuneiform tablets

This article discusses the design of a quick response (QR) coded 3D model of a Babylonian mathematical clay tablet for 3D printing purposes, in an attempt to make better use of advanced 3D visualizations, encourage public engagement and question the influence of tagging and 3D printing on the way humans interact with ancient documentary artefacts. The main emphasis of this article is the methodological challenge, taking under consideration both the technical constrains and object-oriented requirements, such as aesthetics and authenticity. The proposed methodology for the successful implementation of the project incorporates 3D modelling, 3D printing, Automatic Identification Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, and a new open source platform named Cultural Heritage Object (CHER-Ob), for data management, decision making and scientific collaboration

CHER-Ob: a tool for shared analysis in cultural heritage

The study of cultural heritage involves many different activities, including digital data visualization, information analysis and sharing results. Current technologies focus on providing better tools for data representation and processing, neglecting the importance of analysis and sharing. In this paper, we present a software system, CHER-Ob, which offers powerful tools for evaluation and publication of the results of cultural heritage research, and at the same time supports visualization of various data formats. CHER-Ob also introduces the concept of Cultural Heritage Entity, which serves as a template for cultural heritage research and a model to manage projects. We use typical case studies of cultural heritage research to evaluate the system and demonstrate how it works

Use of bacterial binder in repair mortar for micro-crack remediation

Micro-cracks are one of the types of stone deterioration which can propagate and lead to surface detachments and larger cracks in the long run. The present study developed a sustainable and environmentally friendly infill material—biological mortar (BM), as an alternative to conventional approaches. Using a biomineralization approach, this BM was explicitly designed for healing micro-cracks (less than 2 mm) in historic travertines. To this end, the mortar was prepared using a calcifyingBacillussp. isolated from thermal spring water resources in Pamukkale Travertines (Denizli), stone powder gathered from travertine quarries in the vicinity, and a triggering solution specifically designed to set off calcium carbon- ate precipitation reaction. After setup, BM was applied to micro-cracks of artificially aged test stones for testing. Scanning electron microscopy revealed calcium carbonate-coatedBacillussp. bodies in the BM matrix, optical microscopy showed secondary calcite minerals throughout the BM applied micro-cracks, and stereomicroscopy and nanoindentation analyses demonstrated bonding of BM with stone due to microbial calcification activities. Furthermore, BM and original material contact showed a continuous and coherent structure in all samples. Within this context, BM could be considered a promising and alternative approach for the remediation of micro-cracks of historic stones

TechWatch Lightning Round

This panel of presenters will light up participants with rapid-fire presentations on the most interesting technologies that Yale is keeping an eye on. Check out 3D Visualization, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, DNA Sequencers, Advanced Networks and more. We\u27ll wrap up with audience participation so be ready to share your thoughts on the technologies that you are watching