Roman cement to restore built heritage effectively

Objective

Roman cements - highly hydraulic natural binders - were key materials to decorate facades of buildings in the 19th/early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, they are no longer available on the market. Consequently the fundamental principle of modern conservation - that the historic buildings should be repaired by using materials that are compatible with the original historic substance - cannot be meet when restoring this important built heritage. The objective of the project is to re-establish manufacture and use of Roman cements. This will be achieved by studying historic mortars to establish compatibility criteria, selecting appropriate raw materials, optimising cement stone calcinations conditions in the laboratory and in a commercial kiln, carrying out workshop and conservation trials. Results will be disseminated to material producers and end-users of the technology - restoration workers and authorities.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-4. - Key action City of Tomorrow and Cultural Heritage

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (10)