Injection Grouts for the Conservation of Architectural Surfaces: Research and Evaluation
Component One: Background Research
The first phase of the project consisted of background research, including a review of published work carried out to date. From this, a comprehensive bibliography was compiled and a literature review drafted, which summarized the materials and practices currently used for grouting. Additionally, a meeting of specialists was convened to discuss priorities for testing, research, and evaluation.
Component Two: Laboratory Testing and Evaluation
Laboratory tests were modified or developed specifically for analysis of injection grouts for the conservation of architectural surfaces. A range of working properties and performance characteristics were defined, laboratory testing protocols were drafted, and a series of nine commercial and custom-mixed grouts were used to verify the applicability of the tests developed. Following this, additional commercial and custom-mixed grouts were tested and their working properties and performance characteristics were evaluated.
Component Three: Field Application
Based on the results of the laboratory testing, field tests will be developed for evaluating grouts used by conservators in the field. The tests will be designed to assist conservators to evaluate and compare grouts based on in situ tests that can be correlated to laboratory testing.
Parallel to this, laser speckle interferometry will be further investigated in the field to detect the presence of voids in walls due to delamination and assist in the assessment of the delaminated area following treatment.
Component Four: Dissemination
The results of the project will be disseminated through online resources, scholarly journals, workshops, and a seminar.
Last updated: January 2009
Field Projects
