Modified nanolime dispersions: Structure and colloidal stability

Nanolime deposition in Maastricht limestone: Back-migration or accumulation at the absorption surface?

The development of nanomaterials is growing exponentially in the last decade. New discoveries and their applications have taken place in different fields, such as electronics, chemistry, biology and physics. Some innovative nanoproducts have become available also for the conservation of cultural heritage (e.g. nano-Ca(OH)2, nano-SiO2, nano-TiO2,...

Study on effective modifiers for damaging salts in mortar

The use of crystallization modifiers for the prevention or mitigation of salt crystallization damage has recently received a lot of research interest in the field of building conservation. However, the use of crystallization modifiers mixed in a lime-based mortar, is still a very new field of research. This paper summarizes the literature study...

Salt crystallization damage: How realistic are existing ageing tests?

Salt crystallization is a major cause of damage in porous building materials. Notwithstanding the extensive research in this field, the complexity of the problem has hindered the use of mathematical models for forecasting ageing and damage due to salt crystallization. Nowadays, the durability of materials with respect to salt crystallization is...

Facade treatments of historical buildings: Limiting the risks

The usefulness of treatment of facades of historic buildings and especially those with the status of listed monument is often discussed. Surface treatments of facades comprise a range of treatments, from water repellents to consolidants and anti-­graffiti coatings. Even facade cleaning can be considered a facade treatment. Treatment of monuments...

Petrographic characterization of renders from the Lucchesian Villas

Around the Tuscan city of Lucca, a complex system of about 300 villa has developed between 15th and 19th centuries in a ring of territory called the Six Miles District. Nowadays, many of the buildings inside the villas enclosures are damaged and their materials – in particular renders -­ need to be restored. A research program was developed...

Desalination of historic mansonry: Pre-investigation, treatment and follow-up care

Salt crystallization constitutes one of the most widespread decay mechanisms affecting historic buildings. Desalination is a conservation treatment of growing importance in the case of historic masonry. Salts present in porous materials cause damage through their interaction with moisture. Consequently, in certain situations the prevention of...

Confusing cracks and difficult deformations: Interpreting structural damage in masonry

Cracks and deformatiçns in masonry are common phenomena in historical buildings. If they are interpreted correctly, they can be an extremely valuable source çf informatiçn on the load history of the premises. Nevertheless, this interpretation is not always as obvious as one may think. In the framework of a Phd research project, an extensive...