- University of the West of Scotland (UWS), Engineering and Computing, Faculty Memberadd
- Heritage Conservation, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Electron Microscopy, Microscopy, Roman Concrete, Roman mortars, and 33 moreLime mortars and plasters, History of lime mortar, Characterisation and provenance of ancient mortars, Applied mineralogy, Applied petrography for cultural heritage, Lime Lumps, Stone conservation, Analysis of Pigments on Ancient Artifacts, Restoration and Conservation of Ancient and Historic Buildings and Structures, Museum environment, Consolidation of Structures In Situ, Consolidation of Painted Ancient Stone Surfaces, Cement and Concrete Materials, Utilization of cementitious industrial waste products (slag, fly ash, silica fume) and natural pozzolans, Recycling, Durability of Concrete, Service life of concrete structures, Philosophy of Science, History of Science, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Geopolymer Concrete, Technologies Applied to Cultural Heritage, Cultural Heritage, Building Conservation, Heritage Management, Cultural Heritage Conservation, Engineering, Archaeology, Civil Engineering, Climate Change, Architecture, Art History, and Environmental Sustainabilityedit
- I'm a geologist, and a permanent faculty member at UWS since 2003. I have taught on earth science courses that have c... moreI'm a geologist, and a permanent faculty member at UWS since 2003. I have taught on earth science courses that have covered the fundamentals, mapping, mineralogy, petrology, petrography, sedimentology and quarternary studies, including field courses.
Now I teach some geology to Civil Engineering students, but my specialism is in the composition and properties of geomaterials used in construction, particularly of historic buildings- the properties of mortars and stone in old buildings with a view to helping conserve them better.
I have organised several conferences on construction materials: Historic Mortars: RILEM 1999, NICOM 1 in 2003, 10th EMABM in 2005, 3rd Historic Mortars Conference 2013, the 13th International Congress on the Deterioration and Conservation of Stone in 2016.
I was the secretary to the RILEM technical committee TC-RHM Repair Mortars for Historic Masonry, a past member of TC-SGM, "Specifications for non-structural grouting of historic masonries and architectural surfaces", and currently of TC 277–LHS: "Specifications for testing and evaluation of lime-based materials for historic structures". I am also a fellow of the Geological Society and a founder member its Applied Petrography Group (www.appliedpetrographygroup.com), an expert member and board member of the ICOMOS International Committee for Stone and serve on the International Advisory Committee of the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Academy of SCiences of the Czech Republic.edit
Research Interests: Ancient History, Archaeology, Geology, Lithology, Petrography, and 3 moreDating, Mortar, and Lime mortar
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One hundred and forty-eight original contributions on historic mortars and related subjects were presented at the 2nd Historic mortars conference, which took place in Prague September 22–24, 2010. The papers presented the latest research... more
One hundred and forty-eight original contributions on historic mortars and related subjects were presented at the 2nd Historic mortars conference, which took place in Prague September 22–24, 2010. The papers presented the latest research topics and advancements in this field. The editors vigorously reviewed the papers and selected 34 original contributions to be published in this special post conference publication. These papers constitute the essence of the current State-of-the-Art of research on historic mortars. The summary of these papers is put into a wider context of the past research, current practice and pre-normative activities of RILEM Technical Committees on characterisation of historic mortars (TC 167COM and TC 203RHM).
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Historic lime mortars are complex materials that are often seen to contain lime lumps. The origin of lime lumps is debated and at present no single cause of formation has been agreed upon. An experiment to analyse the production of lime... more
Historic lime mortars are complex materials that are often seen to contain lime lumps. The origin of lime lumps is debated and at present no single cause of formation has been agreed upon. An experiment to analyse the production of lime lumps within the early life cycle of a mortar was formulated to clarify this problem. This article presents the background and the early results of the burning and slaking of four selected samples.
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In studying historic, repair and restoration mortars comprised of lime-based material there is an analytical method that answers more questions than any other; transmitted (and reflected) polarised light microscopy (PLM). The present... more
In studying historic, repair and restoration mortars comprised of lime-based material there is an analytical method that answers more questions than any other; transmitted (and reflected) polarised light microscopy (PLM). The present study is based on thinsection analysis of historic and restoration mortars made by the authors in Sweden and Scotland since the 1980’s, previous research [1, 2, 3, 4] and petrographic atlases [5, 6, 7, 8]. This paper is written to be a pedagogically useful complement to previous work. We present a selection of microphotographs to show the variety of questions that the method can give answers to, such as, in the study of: lime binder; source materials, hydraulicity, slaking methods, lime lumps, cracking characteristics aggregates; grading, mineralogy/lithology and texture additives; inorganic puzzolanic materials and organic materials paint layers; different binders, pigments, thicknesses pore structure; durability, vapour transport and capillarity craft...
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The Glasgow School of Art (GSA, 1897-1909) is considered the masterwork of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) and remains the functional core of one of Europe's leading Art and Architecture Schools [1]. On the 23 rd May 2014... more
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA, 1897-1909) is considered the masterwork of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) and remains the functional core of one of Europe's leading Art and Architecture Schools [1]. On the 23 rd May 2014 fire burnt through the west end of the GSA [2,3,4]. Starting in the basement the fire engulfed several studio spaces, and the School's library; perhaps the finest example of Art Nouveau interior design in the world [1,5]. The public and expert reaction to the disaster [5] has contextualised recovery; research seminars developed collaborative projects around the impact of the fire, from which this project grew. In the devastated library space, damage is evident on the sandstone walls, notably the piers between the windows and the walls either side of the tall windows. Surface spalling and cracking of the stone will require significant intervention as part of the restoration effort. The loss of cultural, historic and artistic value, due to the fire, is indeed tragic, but the damage to the structural fabric of the building also behoves us to understand the material impact of the disaster to assist in the restoration and recovery activities. The purpose of the MOLAB visit was to perform analysis on the affected walls to understand the effects of the fire on the stone and to evaluate the degree of damage. It is hoped this will contribute to decision-support for the repair works. Access to the library for MOLAB was under conditions of a construction site, with appropriate health and safety measures with regard to working practice and personal protection. Structural assessment of the walls of the Macintosh school necessitated the construction of a bracing scaffold. Access was required from floor level up to approximately 4-5m height. Two movable scaffold towers were erected against the fixed scaffold, and permission obtained to place measureing equipment onto the fixed scaffold.
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The analysis by microscopy of the compositions and microstructures of geomaterials found in historic structures and buildings is integral to archaeological, art-historical, conservation and restoration-related investigations, and supports... more
The analysis by microscopy of the compositions and microstructures of geomaterials found in historic structures and buildings is integral to archaeological, art-historical, conservation and restoration-related investigations, and supports decision making for material replacement and repair. In archaeology there is a need to elucidate past social, economic and technological processes, and to understand the environmental impacts of past human activities related to materials use. Standard light and electron microscopy are most commonly employed, but high resolution methods such as transmission electron and three-dimensional tomography such as µ-CT are also being used. Experimental and novel developments, where they overlap with advanced materials science, are uncommon. The application of scientific characterisation frames cultural heritage value, reinforcing our understanding of authenticity and integrity. Characterisation is constrained, in turn, by the values system that operates in ...
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Lime-based mortars (LM(s)) seem to be preferred in repairing historic structures. The long-term performance of repair LM(s) is closely related to durability issues concerning the old structure substrate, the new repair mortars and... more
Lime-based mortars (LM(s)) seem to be preferred in repairing historic structures. The long-term performance of repair LM(s) is closely related to durability issues concerning the old structure substrate, the new repair mortars and interface between the two aforementioned materials, which is also much influenced by the technique of mortars application. Durability is a multifunctional property affected by a number of parameters, including local environmental conditions. However, experience showed that some of the characteristics of materials play a dominant role in assessing the durability of repair LM(s) and have a direct impact on longevity of the repaired structure. This paper presents review of research/case studies papers and Master/PhD theses supervised by the members of RILEM TC 277 LHS. Through the review and evaluation of research and common practice concerning durability challenges, we anticipate to find answers to questions arising in assessing durability of repair LM(s), s...
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Changes in rainfall patterns, humidity, and temperature, as well as greater exposure to severe weather events, has led to the need for adapting cultural heritage to climate change. However, there is limited research accomplished to date... more
Changes in rainfall patterns, humidity, and temperature, as well as greater exposure to severe weather events, has led to the need for adapting cultural heritage to climate change. However, there is limited research accomplished to date on the process of adaptation of cultural heritage to climate change. This paper examines the perceptions of experts involved in the management and preservation of cultural heritage on adaptation to climate change risks. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts from the UK, Italy, and Norway as well as a participatory workshop with stakeholders. The results indicate that the majority of interviewees believe that adaptation of cultural heritage to climate change is possible. Opportunities for, barriers to, and requirements for adapting cultural heritage to climate change, as perceived by the interviewees, provided a better understanding of what needs to be provided and prioritized for adaptation to take place and in its ...
Research Interests: Climate Change, Cultural Heritage, Climate Change Adaptation, Political Science, Cultural Heritage Conservation, and 9 moreCitizen Journalism, Heritage Conservation, Cultural Heritage Management, World Cultural Heritage, GE, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Environmental Resource Management, Geosciences, and Heritage Science
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An experiment was conducted to determine how the slaking characteristics of quicklime produced from the calcination of selected limestones relates to calcination time. The experiment also permitted the determination of the optimum... more
An experiment was conducted to determine how the slaking characteristics of quicklime produced from the calcination of selected limestones relates to calcination time. The experiment also permitted the determination of the optimum calcination time by determining when each limestone was under or over burnt (as indicated by minimum water reactivity values). Four limestones, three from Scotland Dornie, Parkmore, Trearne and one from England- Ham Hill, were calcined at 900°C for a range of times between 2 and 5 h. The limestones used include both granoblastic metamorphic and bioclastic-micritic limestones with variable silicate contents. The resulting quicklimes were tested for reactivity by recording temperature rise and rate of temperature rise during slaking. Sieve analysis of the residue after slaking was performed on some samples. The Dornie limestone was the most reactive with an optimum calcination time of 4 h, Ham Hill was the second most reactive with an optimum calcination time of 3.5 h, Trearne followed at 4 h and the least reactive was the Parkmore sample with an optimum calcination time of 4.5 h. Dornie, Ham Hill and Trearne limestones underwent complete calcination with a weight loss greater than 40%. The experiment showed that the determination of the optimum calcination time through the examination of water reactivity was possible.
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KULeuven. ...
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Abstract: The aims of the paper are the following: to develop a consistent usable classification of historic masonry typologies, to outline general considerations about the mechanical behaviour of different masonry types, to outline the... more
Abstract: The aims of the paper are the following: to develop a consistent usable classification of historic masonry typologies, to outline general considerations about the mechanical behaviour of different masonry types, to outline the influence of mortar joints in ...
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Climate change mitigation targets have put pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of cultural heritage buildings. Commonly adopted measures to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of historical buildings are targeted at improving... more
Climate change mitigation targets have put pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of cultural heritage buildings. Commonly adopted measures to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of historical buildings are targeted at improving their energy efficiency through insulating the building envelope, and upgrading their heating, cooling and lighting systems. However, there are complex issues that arise when mitigating climate change in the cultural built heritage sector. For instance, preserving the authenticity of heritage buildings, maintaining their traditional passive behaviours, and choosing adaptive solutions compatible with the characteristics of heritage materials to avoid an acceleration of decay processes. It is thus important to understand what the enablers, or the barriers, are to reduce the carbon footprint of cultural heritage buildings to meet climate change mitigation targets. This paper investigates how climate change mitigation is considered in the management and...
Research Interests: Business, Architectural Engineering, Climate Change, Cultural Heritage, Industrial Heritage, and 12 moreClimate, Climate Change Adaptation And Mitigation Strategies, Cultural Heritage Management, GHG Emissions, Carbon Footprint, GE, Environmental Resource Management, Climate Change Mitigation, Mitigation, Greenhouse Gas, Building Envelope, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Reductions
This paper reports results of micro/nano-scale mechanical characterisation of the cement-based materials at micro/nano-scale using various available mapping techniques. Two new techniques: Express Nanoindentation Test option by Agilent... more
This paper reports results of micro/nano-scale mechanical characterisation of the cement-based materials at micro/nano-scale using various available mapping techniques. Two new techniques: Express Nanoindentation Test option by Agilent Technologies and PeakForce QNM by Bruker were applied to mapping mechanical properties of cement-based materials, together with the use of conventional nanoindentation technique. Preliminary test results as well as advantages and limitations for the different techniques were discussed.
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Experience has been gained in the operation of a very small-scale batch lime kiln, capable of calcining around 600kg of combined stone and fuel, as a precursor to larger scale production of several tonnes. Stone compositions were chosen... more
Experience has been gained in the operation of a very small-scale batch lime kiln, capable of calcining around 600kg of combined stone and fuel, as a precursor to larger scale production of several tonnes. Stone compositions were chosen to produce hydraulic limewith important mineral transformations that can permit independent confirmation of production temperatures. Simple temperature distributions in the kiln, air flow and oxygen content of the exhaust are combined with analysis of the quicklime produced to understand the dynamics of the traditional process. Mortars were produced using a traditional hot mixing process and tested for a range of fresh and hardened properties.
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Research Interests: Archaeology, Computer Science, Cultural Heritage, Heritage Conservation, Decision Support Systems, and 9 moreCultural Heritage Management, Architectural Conservation, World Cultural Heritage, Decision support system, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Questionnaire, Historical Studies, Preservatives, and Consolidants
Research Interests: Archaeology, Expertise, Cultural Heritage, Conservation, Qualitative methodology, and 15 moreCultural Heritage Conservation, Authenticity, Heritage Conservation, Qualitative Research, Science and Technology, Cultural Heritage Management, Architectural Heritage, Heritage Management, Conservation Science, Heritage, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Materiality, Decay, Historical Studies, and Elsevier
Inappropriate pointing mortar composition and detailing is implicated as a contributory factor in dampness penetration and retention in solid wall masonry constructed from granite in Scotland (in addition to poor maintenance of rainwater... more
Inappropriate pointing mortar composition and detailing is implicated as a contributory factor in dampness penetration and retention in solid wall masonry constructed from granite in Scotland (in addition to poor maintenance of rainwater goods and other building defects). Previous work and experience with mortars for repair and conservation of granite (and other impermeable masonry units) has focused on the use of mortars containing OPC as a major component, as a set agent, or indeed as a binder to reduce the availability of soluble calcium for gypsum crust formation. A critical issue raised by researchers is the tightness of bond between the stone and mortar, related to mortars' ability to absorb movement and deal with moisture ingress and egress. Recent practitioner experience in Scotland suggests the use of quicklime-based bedding and repointing mortars, used hot, as a successful repair material. In this small-scale feasibility study we review the state of the art and conside...
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Research Interests: Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Composite Materials and Structures, Materials, and 14 moreScanning Electron Microscopy, Solid Mechanics, Sample Preparation, Differential scanning calorimetry, Silica, Optical microscopy, Chemical Analysis, Gypsum, X ray diffraction, Differential Thermal Analysis, Mortar, Boolean Satisfiability, Chemical Composition, and Infra red
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Includes bibliographical referencesAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:m03/30726 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo
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ABSTRACT The paper attempts to connect practical problems arising from the use of lime mortars in conservation and the latest scientific research in transport phenomena and durability of porous materials. It identifies specific... more
ABSTRACT The paper attempts to connect practical problems arising from the use of lime mortars in conservation and the latest scientific research in transport phenomena and durability of porous materials. It identifies specific requirements and current issues, which need to be clarified from conservation practice. It also examines the scope of the problems by carrying out simple experiments on lime mortar specimens. Characteristics like gas permeability, porosity and gain of weight were determined after six months of curing. These characteristics were related to the carbonation process. Two hypotheses are suggested. First, the gas permeability of lime mortars is influenced more by surface finish than the amount of water added to the mix. Second, the carbonation process of lime mortars depends on the surface gas permeability rather than the internal gas permeability. The surface permeability is possibly the rate-determining factor.
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This paper describes preliminary investigations into the geochemistry of some of the minerals within slag particles and derives some information on temperatures of formation, suggesting that the limekilns at Charlestown were operating at... more
This paper describes preliminary investigations into the geochemistry of some of the minerals within slag particles and derives some information on temperatures of formation, suggesting that the limekilns at Charlestown were operating at a high temperature relative to estimates given for traditional limekilns. This study is itself an initial assessment of the mineralogy of these slags and it appears that
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Architecturally appropriate and technically effective conservation and maintenance of historic masonry requires meaningful characterisation of existing materials. Sampling from important historic monuments is often not allowed, so there... more
Architecturally appropriate and technically effective conservation and maintenance of historic masonry requires meaningful characterisation of existing materials. Sampling from important historic monuments is often not allowed, so there is a need for non-destructive in-situ test. Portable probe gas permeability, developed for use in petroleum reservoir studies, has the clear potential for application in practical conservation. In particular the application of
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Mineral-producing organisms exert exquisite control on all aspects of biomineral production. Among shell-bearing organisms, a wide range of mineral fabrics are developed reflecting diverse modes of life that require different material... more
Mineral-producing organisms exert exquisite control on all aspects of biomineral production. Among shell-bearing organisms, a wide range of mineral fabrics are developed reflecting diverse modes of life that require different material properties. Our knowledge of how biomineral structures relate to material properties is still limited because it requires the determination of these properties on a detailed scale. Nanoindentation, mostly applied in engineering and materials science, is used here to assess, at the microstructural level, material properties of two calcite brachiopods living in the same environment but with different modes of life and shell ultrastructure. Values of hardness ( H ) and the Young modulus of elasticity ( E ) are determined by nanoindentation. In brachiopod shells, calcite semi-nacre provides a harder and stiffer structure ( H ∼3–6 GPa; E =60–110/120 GPa) than calcite fibres ( H =0–3 GPa; E =20–60/80 GPa). Thus, brachiopods with calcite semi-nacre can cement...
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Research Interests: History, Architecture, Africa, Architectural History, China, and 15 moreArchitectural Heritage, Mesoamerica, India, Building Construction, Mortar Provenancing, History of lime mortar, Building, Building Materials, Lime Plaster, Lime mortars and plasters, Mortars, Building Material, Lime, Characterisation and Provenance of Ancient Mortars, and Lime mortar
Research Interests: Engineering, Civil Engineering, Cultural Heritage, Composite Materials and Structures, Cultural Heritage Conservation, and 12 moreHeritage Conservation, Technologies Applied to Cultural Heritage, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Masonry Structures Historic, Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Monuments, Historical Mortars, Historic Lime Mortars, Historic Masonry Structures, Restoration and Conservation of Ancient and Historic Buildings and Structures, Historic Mortars and Cements, Historic Mortar Analysis, and Surface Repair
Two contrasting limestones were calcined for lime-binder production using a small vertical batch lime kiln. The conditions of firing were recorded and the quality of the product was evaluated using simple on-site methods and by... more
Two contrasting limestones were calcined for lime-binder production using a small vertical batch lime kiln. The conditions of firing were recorded and the quality of the product was evaluated using simple on-site methods and by manufacture and testing of mortars and masonry panels. Dry-slaking, or hot- lime mortar mixing methods were used for mortar manufacture. Problems were encountered with mortar hydration. However, the program revives interest in the practice of hot-mixed traditional lime mortars.
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Lime binders are utilised worldwide and are associated with a considerable scale of production and corresponding CO2 emissions. The relevance of this review is therefore international in scope, with production transcending geographical... more
Lime binders are utilised worldwide and are associated with a considerable scale of production and corresponding CO2 emissions. The relevance of this review is therefore international in scope, with production transcending geographical boundaries and construction practices. An holistic view of lime binders, considering their provenance, production and utilisation offers the potential for significant CO2 savings urgently required globally. Importantly, the technical aspects of lime materials production is critical, but the alteration of behaviour of both specifier and those undertaking the construction processes is also essential in achieving meaningful CO2 emission reduction. This review paper investigates the life cycle stages of lime binders in line with the features highlighted in the Scottish Building Alliance (SBA) ‘building life cycle stages model’. It attempts to determine what can be learnt from our understanding of the manufacture and use of binders from historic, current and future perspectives in the context of reconciling the production of historically authentic materials in a decarbonising environment. The production and use of such authentic historic lime binders initially appears highly carbon intensive through its utilisation of relatively inefficient kiln technologies and loss of economies of scale associated with larger operations. However, this review shows numerous benefits in the production of such binders; including their CO2 sequestration capability, lower potential processing energy, and a reduction in excessive ‘carbon miles’ associated with transportation. Importantly, we show how historic production and on-site manufacture approaches with lime-based materials also offers exciting potential for carbon savings. Importantly, hot mixed lime mortars offer the promise of higher durability materials compared to their modern cold manufactured counterparts, thereby reducing the frequency of repeat maintenance interventions, again yielding CO2 savings. We suggest hot mixing, whether in an innovative contemporary materials realm or within traditional contexts should be explored. In addition, hot mixed materials can concomitantly satisfy conservation requirements for repairs through better reflecting the aspired to building conservation requirement of like for like materials replacement reflected with historically produced binders. We suggest future paths for the industry that would simultaneously reconcile demands for authentic materials and production methods for the conservation sector with the necessity of achieving cleaner production in a decarbonizing world.
Research Interests: Environmental Engineering, Cleaner Production, Energy Efficiency Buildings, Historic Buildings, Low Carbon Materials, and 15 moreEnergy efficiency, History of lime mortar, Low Carbon Economy, Restoration of Historical Buildings, Manufacturing Engineering, New lime based materials for the construction industry, Lime Mortars, Lime mortars and plasters, Low carbon buildings design, Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Monuments, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Energy Efficiency, Restoration and Conservation of Ancient and Historic Buildings and Structures, CO Emissions, and Low carbon concrete
Lime binders are utilised worldwide and are associated with a considerable scale of production and corresponding CO2 emissions. The relevance of this review is therefore international in scope, with production transcending geographical... more
Lime binders are utilised worldwide and are associated with a considerable scale of production and corresponding CO2 emissions. The relevance of this review is therefore international in scope, with production transcending geographical boundaries and construction practices. An holistic view of lime binders, considering their provenance, production and utilisation offers the potential for significant CO2 savings urgently required globally. Importantly, the technical aspects of lime materials production is critical, but the alteration of behaviour of both specifier and those undertaking the construction processes is also essential in achieving meaningful CO2 emission reduction. This review paper investigates the life cycle stages of lime binders in line with the features highlighted in the Scottish Building Alliance (SBA) ‘building life cycle stages model’. It attempts to determine what can be learnt from our understanding of the manufacture and use of binders from historic, current and future perspectives in the context of reconciling the production of historically authentic materials in a decarbonising environment. The production and use of such authentic historic lime binders initially appears highly carbon intensive through its utilisation of relatively inefficient kiln technologies and loss of economies of scale associated with larger operations. However, this review shows numerous benefits in the production of such binders; including their CO2 sequestration capability, lower potential processing energy, and a reduction in excessive ‘carbon miles’ associated with transportation. Importantly, we show how historic production and on-site manufacture approaches with lime-based materials also offers exciting potential for carbon savings. Importantly, hot mixed lime mortars offer the promise of higher durability materials compared to their modern cold manufactured counterparts, thereby reducing the frequency of repeat maintenance interventions, again yielding CO2 savings. We suggest hot mixing, whether in an innovative contemporary materials realm or within traditional contexts should be explored. In addition, hot mixed materials can concomitantly satisfy conservation requirements for repairs through better reflecting the aspired to building conservation requirement of like for like materials replacement reflected with historically produced binders. We suggest future paths for the industry that would simultaneously reconcile demands for authentic materials and production methods for the conservation sector with the necessity of achieving cleaner production in a decarbonizing world.
Research Interests: Environmental Engineering, Cleaner Production, Energy Efficiency Buildings, Historic Buildings, Low Carbon Materials, and 15 moreEnergy efficiency, History of lime mortar, Low Carbon Economy, Restoration of Historical Buildings, Manufacturing Engineering, New lime based materials for the construction industry, Lime Mortars, Lime mortars and plasters, Low carbon buildings design, Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Monuments, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Energy Efficiency, Restoration and Conservation of Ancient and Historic Buildings and Structures, CO Emissions, and Low carbon concrete
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Research Interests: Seismic Retrofitting of Historical Masonry Buildings, Roman mortars, History of lime mortar, Lime Mortars, Lime mortars and plasters, and 8 moreDating of old lime mortars and plasters, Mortars, Characterisation and provenance of ancient mortars, Conservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Monuments, Historical Mortars, Historic Lime Mortars, Ancient Plasters and Mortars, and Restoration and Conservation of Ancient and Historic Buildings and Structures
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA, 1897-1909) is considered the masterwork of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) and remains the functional core of one of Europe's leading Art and Architecture Schools [1]. On the 23 rd May 2014 fire burnt... more
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA, 1897-1909) is considered the masterwork of Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928) and remains the functional core of one of Europe's leading Art and Architecture Schools [1]. On the 23 rd May 2014 fire burnt through the west end of the GSA [2,3,4]. Starting in the basement the fire engulfed several studio spaces, and the School's library; perhaps the finest example of Art Nouveau interior design in the world [1,5]. The public and expert reaction to the disaster [5] has contextualised recovery; research seminars developed collaborative projects around the impact of the fire, from which this project grew. In the devastated library space, damage is evident on the sandstone walls, notably the piers between the windows and the walls either side of the tall windows. Surface spalling and cracking of the stone will require significant intervention as part of the restoration effort. The loss of cultural, historic and artistic value, due to the fire, is indeed tragic, but the damage to the structural fabric of the building also behoves us to understand the material impact of the disaster to assist in the restoration and recovery activities. The purpose of the MOLAB visit was to perform analysis on the affected walls to understand the effects of the fire on the stone and to evaluate the degree of damage. It is hoped this will contribute to decision-support for the repair works. Access to the library for MOLAB was under conditions of a construction site, with appropriate health and safety measures with regard to working practice and personal protection. Structural assessment of the walls of the Macintosh school necessitated the construction of a bracing scaffold. Access was required from floor level up to approximately 4-5m height. Two movable scaffold towers were erected against the fixed scaffold, and permission obtained to place measureing equipment onto the fixed scaffold.
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Damage to masonry and interior dampness, related to water ingress and retention highlights the correct choice of mortar when pointing walls. Compatible mortar composition is important where masonry units are impermeable, as in the case of... more
Damage to masonry and interior dampness, related to water ingress and retention highlights the correct choice of mortar when pointing walls. Compatible mortar composition is important where masonry units are impermeable, as in the case of load-bearing granite, because the mortar controls the ingress and egress of moisture. It is common to find water penetration which can be traced to incorrect specification of mortar; inappropriate mixes trap moisture inside walls, causing problems with frost heave and bedding mortar decay. The development of appropriate mortars for structural granite walls is an area which has received little investigation.
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The Materiality, Authenticity and Value in the historic environment project is a one year study funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under the Science and Heritage call. The project looks at the role of heritage... more
The Materiality, Authenticity and Value in the historic environment project is a one year study funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under the Science and Heritage call. The project looks at the role of heritage science in the conservation process, focusing specifically on whether and how such interventions uphold or reconfigure the values and meanings attached to historic monuments