Development of reversible intelligent prosthesis for the conservation of sculptures. A case study

[EN] The application of preventive conservation measures after restoration processes is a sustainable method to control and mitigate possible deterioration and damage to Cultural Heritage. Preservation requires monitoring physical parameters that influence the monument. This document presents the development of a versatile hybrid system based on a 3D printed prosthesis implanted with sensors to collect relevant environmental data. This novel system has been applied to a work of relevance, the Stone Sepulcher of Queen Mary of Castile, located in the Royal Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Valencia (Spain). The development of such an intelligent prosthesis aims to improve the conservation of a work of art. The system presented here is completely reversible, leaving any trace on the sculpture where it was inserted after removal. This intelligent prosthesis can monitor the environmental conditions and send them to a remote server in the cloud. The results have demonstrated the viability and suitability of the procedure and present an innovative solution applicable to other pieces of Cultural Heritage.Niquet, N.; Sánchez López, M.; Mas-Barberà, X. (2020). Development of reversible intelligent prosthesis for the conservation of sculptures. A case study. Journal of Cultural Heritage. 43:227-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2019.12.0102272344

Sustancias de moldeo y procesos técnicos para la realización de moldes sobre piezas originales en el medio subacuático

[ES] Existe multitud de casos en los que, en un medio subacuático, es imposible extraer un objeto. A raíz de ello, se buscan alternativas para su extracción que presenten dichas piezas sin alterar su condición de objeto histórico sumergido. Entre estas alternativas se encuentra la realización de dibujos y fotografías, o reproducciones tridimensionales mediante moldeo y posterior reproducción, numerización 3D y técnicas de impresión, éstas últimas destinadas a casos excepcionales. En consecuencia, es el aspecto económico el que determina que la realización de moldes flexibles y posterior positivado se considere, hoy en día, como el sistema más eficaz, a través del cual es posible obtener una reproducción fiel, a escala real, del objeto o fragmento que se desea estudiar. Esta investigación se presenta con el objetivo de aportar una visión ampliada y actualizada sobre sustancias de moldeo y procesos técnicos durante la realización de moldes sobre piezas originales en un medio subacuático. En primer lugar, se establece una reflexión sobre el desarrollo tecnológico en el medio subacuático, planteando una relación lógica entre éste y los avances en los sistemas de moldeo en áreas sumergidas. En segundo lugar, se lleva a cabo una selección y, posterior, estudio de tres sustancias de moldeo a partir de las cuales se ha determinado su idoneidad. A partir de aquí, se ha optimizado un sistema que ha motivado un prototipo destinado a la obtención de moldes flexibles en medio subacuático. Durante el estudio se han examinado diversos parámetros y propiedades de los materiales mejorando su viabilidad, todo ello a partir de ensayos de laboratorio con simulación de las condiciones propias del medio marino. Finalmente, se muestra la aplicación del sistema-prototipo en condiciones reales, en medio subacuático. Esta investigación es una fuente viable para aquellos que deseen iniciarse en la obtención de moldes en entornos sumergidos.[EN] There are many cases in which, in an underwater environment, it is impossible to extract an object. As a result, alternativesare sought for their extraction that present said pieces without altering their condition as a submerged historical object. Among these alternatives is the realization of drawings and photographs, or three-dimensional reproductions through molding and subsequent reproduction, 3D digitization and printing techniques, the latter intended for exceptional cases. Consequently, it is the economic aspect that determines that the realization of flexible molds and subsequent printing is considered, today, as the most efficient system, through which it ispossible to obtain a faithful reproduction, on a real scale, of the object or fragment you want to study.This research is presented with the aim of providing an expanded and updated view on molding substances and technical processes during the making of molds on original parts in an underwater environment. In the first place, a reflection on technological development in the underwater environment is established, proposing a logical relationship between it and the advances in molding systems in submerged areas. Secondly, a selection is carried out and, later, study of three molding substances from which their suitability has been determined.From here, a system has been optimized that has motivated a prototype destined to obtain flexible molds in an underwater environment. During the study, various parameters and properties of the materials were examined, improving their viability, all based on laboratory tests with simulation of the conditions of the marine environment. Finally, the application of the prototype system is shown in real conditions, in an underwater environment. This research is a viable source for those who wish to get started in obtaining molds in submerged environments.Didier Niquet Nicolás; Maluenda Serra, S.; Mas Barberà, X. (2020). Sustancias de moldeo y procesos técnicos para la realización de moldes sobre piezas originales en el medio subacuático. Arché. (13 - 14 - 15):69-76. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/156356697613 - 14 - 1

Use of magnets for reversible restoration in sculpture. The case of the Virgen de los Desamparados in Valencia (Spain)

[EN] In this paper, we present the use of a magnetic system for restoring a real piece of art: the Virgen de los Desamparados sculpture (1954) by the Valencian sculptor Silvestre d'Edeta (Valencia, Spain). This sculpture is made of artificial stone reinforced with iron rods in the matrix and, before the intervention, showed a high degree of degradation due to various physical, chemical and biological processes causing internal strain, cracks and fragmentation. Several non-destructive imaging techniques (photography, photogrammetry, digital radiography and 3D virtual reconstruction) have been used to study the original status of the artwork. The materials to produce the prosthesis to restore the sculpture, and the procedure to attach them with magnets and various adhesives, have been addressed in this study. Different theoretical models and simulations have been developed to help the restorer to select the most appropriate magnets and their optimal position. The restoration returns legibility to the piece by restoring the missing head-hair-crown section. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.Rodríguez-Rodríguez, M.; Ruiz-Gómez, S.; Pérez-García, L.; Mas-Barberà, X. (2018). Use of magnets for reversible restoration in sculpture. The case of the Virgen de los Desamparados in Valencia (Spain). Journal of Cultural Heritage. 31:215-219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2018.01.005S2152193

The revalorization of the ephemeral creation through virtual conservation. Application of the 3D record and proposition of the interactive repository of the Exposició del ninot

[ES] El presente trabajo plantea la conservación virtual de la obra efímera, concretamente de los ninots de Falla exhibidos en la Exposición del Ninot, a través de su virtualización interactiva de modo que puedan ser recuperados en un "repositorio del recuerdo" tras su combustión. El reconocimiento de la Fiesta de Fallas por parte de la UNESCO como Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Humanidad en 2016 demanda una adaptación a los medios actuales de comunicación, conservación y difusión de la fiesta. Para el estudio se seleccionaron dos ninots, uno perteneciente a la Falla Plaza del Pilar, del artista Paco Torres y, el otro, de la Falla Espartero-Ramón y Cajal, del artista David Moreno, ambos de categoría Sección Primera, respectivamente. La digitalización 3d se llevó a cabo mediante un escáner láser portátil GO!SCAN50 de la compañía Creaform y, para el tratamiento digital se usaron distintos softwares VXelements (Creaform), VXmodel (Creaform), Zbrush (Pixologic), Keyshot (Luxion) y Repetier Host. El resultado ha sido la monitorización de los ninots de modo que pueden ser visualizados tras su destrucción y, ha permitido conservar virtualmente el ingenio creativo y la fiesta a través de una nueva experiencia inmersiva.[EN] This paper presents the virtual conservation of ephemeral art works, more specifically the so-called "ninots de Falla" from the Ninot Exhibition by means of an interactive virtualization so they can be recalled from "memories repository" after they have been burned (Fallas are burned every year). The inclusion on the UNESCO cultural heritage list of the Fallas festival in 2016 calls for an adaptation of current communication, conservation and dissemination of the festival. For this study two ninots from Falla Plaza del Pilar, from artisan Paco Torres and the other from Falla Espartero-Ramón y Cajal, from artist David Moreno, both from the First Rank, were selected. 3D scanning of these art works was done using a portable laser scanner GO!SCAN50 made by Creaform. Digital processing used various software including VXelements (Creaform), VXmodel (Creaform), Zbrush (Pixologic), Keyshot (Luxion), and Repetier Host. The result is that ninots can now be displayed after they have been destroyed and, this way creative ingenuity and the festivity are preserved through a new immersive experience.Niquet, ND.; Sánchez López, M.; Mas-Barberà, X. (2018). La revalorización de la creación efímera a través de la conservación virtual. Aplicación del registro 3D y propuesta de repositorio interactivo de la Exposició del ninot. Revista Sonda: investigación y docencia en artes y letras. 7:89-101. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/147688S89101

Characterization of 3d printing filaments applied in restoration of sensitive archaeological objects using rapid prototyping

[EN] Purpose The purpose of this paper is to characterize three-dimensional (3D) printing filaments commonly used in fused deposition modeling (FDM) to determine their viability for restoration and conservation treatments. Design/methodology/approach Eight current filaments for FDM from six polymeric materials have been characterized to determine their suitability for restoration and conservation treatments. For testing these filaments, specimens are printed with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene; polylactic acid; polylactic acid with CaCO3 (E.P.); polyethylene terephthalate glycol; polypropylene; and high-impact polystyrene. Suitability of a filament was verified using the Oddy test by detecting the action of volatile pollutants released from the filaments. The morphological and color changes were observed after allowing them to degrade under the exposure of UV radiation. The samples were then analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy technique was applied to complete the characterization of the printed filaments. Findings Materials investigated are suitable for restoration purposes ensuring long-term stability. Rapid prototyping using FDM is appropriate for restoring sensitive archaeological objects allowing reconstruction of parts and decreasing risk while manipulating delicate artifacts. Originality/value Rapid prototyping using FDM was chosen for the restoration of a fragile and sensitive archaeological glass bowl from Manises Ceramic Museum.This work is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in the context of the research project "Desarrollo de un Sistema Integrado de Restauracion, Recomposicion, Restitucion y Representacion de Fragmentos Arqueologicos": HAR2015-69408-R (MINECO-FEDER).Aura-Castro, E.; Díaz-Marín, C.; Mas-Barberà, X.; Sánchez López, M.; Vendrell Vidal, E. (2021). Characterization of 3d printing filaments applied in restoration of sensitive archaeological objects using rapid prototyping. Rapid Prototyping Journal. 27(4):645-657. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-06-2019-0153S64565727

First approach to the intervention of the paleo-ichnological heritage on "La Virgen del Campo" site. Enciso, La Rioja (Spain)

[ES] En el presente trabajo. se analiza el estado de conservación del yacimiento paleoicnológico de La Virgen del Campo, situado en Enciso, La Rioja (España). En primer lugar, se realiza una revision bibliográfica y búsqueda de las intervenciones realizadas en el yacimiento y los materiales que se aplicaron. Por otro lado, se realize un studio del estado de conservación y las causas de deterioro y las patologías presentes en el yacimiento. Dichas patologías, se identifican y se asignan a una categoría concreta gracias al glosario del ICOMOS. Por otro lado, se realiza una propuesta de intervención. Esta propuesta de intervención se realiza gracias a la revision bibliográdica y los estudios preliminaries llevados a cabo en el laboratorio. Finalmente, se realiza un studio de los materiales de restauración, especialmente centrado en los diferentes tipos de morteros de cal, testeando la compatiblidad con la piedra del yacimiento en el laboratorio y durante la campaña de campo.[EN] In this paper, we analysed the state of conservation of the paleoichnological site of La Virgen del Campo located in Enciso, La Rioja, (Spain). First, a bibliographic review was carried out, researching about the interventions made on the site and the materials applied. We made a conservation study, in which we analysed the causes of deterioration, using different methods, and pathologies. These pathologies are identified and assigned to a defined category according to ICOMOS glossary. In addition, we carried out an intervention proposal. This has been done, thanks to the bibliographic review and the studies that we accomplished at the laboratory. Finally, we made a study of the restoration materials, specially focused on different lime mortars. We tested their suitability with the rock of the site at the laboratory and then during the field season.Ferrer Ventura, M.; Mas Barberà, X.; Torices, A.; San Juan-Palacios, R.; Navarro-Lorbés, P. (2020). First approach to the intervention of the paleo-ichnological heritage on "La Virgen del Campo" site. Enciso, La Rioja (Spain). Arché. (13 - 14 - 15):93-102. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/1563769310213 - 14 - 1

The use of cyclododecane as a separating layer during the moulding of porous stones

This paper is published in the book ‘Subliming Surfaces: Volatile Binding Media in Heritage Conservation’, ed. Christina Rozeik (University of Cambridge Museums, 2018), pp. 123-125.The physicochemical properties of outdoor moveable artworks are modified by degradative environmental agents and biodeterioration. In many cases, the most effective action or intervention is to replace an artwork with a copy, moving the original into a museum or another more protected place. In general, this process entails moulding of the original and its reproduction using restoration mortars. This study evaluates the possibility of using cyclododecane (CDD) as a temporary barrier film during the moulding of extremely porous stone sculptures and ornaments. For this, samples of a travertine (calcium carbonate rock) called Tosca Rocafort were prepared. These travertines, exceptionally porous with numerous cavities, can be percolated in an irreversible way by moulding materials during the process of making a copy. By using a CDD barrier layer, the pores are sealed without losing the texture of stone substrate, and at the same time the silicone moulding material is prevented from penetrating the porous stone. To solve the problem of an affinity between the CDD and the silicone (both of which are non polar materials), several polar substances (4% agar-agar in water and pure latex) were tested as an intermediate insulation layer. This proposed method, based on a system of layers with different polarities, allowed us to isolate and protect the porous stone from the silicone elastomer, which is the cause of irreversible stains on stone substrates during mould-making. As an isolation layer, agar-agar proved unsatisfactory as it formed heterogeneous layers with low physical resistance, resulting in residues of moulding materials on the stone suface. In contrast, latex created homogenous layers while transmitting all details of the surface of the original work – and without leaving residues. The presented multi-layer system for moulding of porous materials has a number of advantages that make it appropriate for conservation and restoration work: good film-forming properties, very low toxicity, and ready reversibility (due to the ability of CDD to sublimate). The CDD film remains in place for long enough to allow the silicone moulding material to become vulcanised. However, it is easily removed through sublimation, which means that no intervention (possibly damaging to the surface of the stone) is necessary to remove the barrier layer. We conclude that CDD is a suitable temporary barrier material on porous stones, creating a homogeneous, impervious and inert film

Los estucos de la iglesia de los Santos Juanes de Valencia. La restauración en curso

El presente artículo expone los primeros resultados de la restauración escultórico-ornamental de los paramentos perimetrales de la nave central de la Iglesia de los Santos Juanes de Valencia, poniendo el foco en la intervención sobre los estucos y elementos escultóricos-ornamentales, obra de Giacomo Bertesi y Antonio Aliprandi. La intervención tiene como objetivo la recuperación de los estratos originales de terminación y la corrección volumétrica de piezas alteradas o desaparecidas. Para ello se llevan a cabo diversos procesos de limpieza de las superficies, eliminación de repintes, consolidación de volúmenes fragmentados, corrección volumétrica y reintegración de las partes faltantes, así como la recuperación de los dorados originales y su reposición respetuosa con las huellas de la historia

Intervención de la escultura de la mare de déu dels desemparats y pedestal del escultor silvestre d'Edeta, la Pobla Llarga (Valencia)

El presente estudio expone la intervención llevada a cabo sobre la escultura de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats y el pedestal de material pétreo del escultor valenciano Silvestre de Edeta. El conjunto está situado en la Plaza de la Virgen de los Desamparados de la localidad de la Pobla Llarga (Ribera Alta, Valencia) y, posee unas dimensiones de (193x47x45) cm. El objetivo se centró en restablecer y salvaguardar las propiedades físicas y estéticas de la escultura y el pedestal desarrollando un exhaustivo proceso de limpieza y tratamiento de sustitución. La obra presentaba un avanzado estado de deterioro originado por causas físicas, químicas y biológicas siendo el agua, en sus diversos estados, el agente de degradación más grave que motivó la oxidación de elementos metálicos y la proliferación de costras biogénicas. Las fases desarrolladas siguieron el principio de mínima intervención, respeto por el original y afinidad de los materiales empleados. El resultado final pone de manifiesto la cuidada elección de los materiales, técnicas de análisis y procedimientos desarrollados, así como la acertada medida adoptada en cuanto a la sustitución del original por una copia, trasladando éste al Museo Municipal bajo unas condiciones ambientales controladas.Mas Barberà, X.; Kröner, SUG.; Albiol Ibáñez, JR.; Rodríguez Rodríguez, MA. (2017). Intervención de la escultura de la mare de déu dels desemparats y pedestal del escultor silvestre d'Edeta, la Pobla Llarga (Valencia). Arché. (11 - 12):119-130. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/10128611913011 - 1