A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Understanding the decay of 14th century magnesian limestone carvings in Yorkshire, UK
The Chapter House at Howden Minster is a small octagonal 14th century magnesian limestone building. The architectural decoration on the interior walls is among the finest of its period in England. The building has been a ruin since the 18th century, and its elaborate interior stone carving has suffered from ongoing erosion. The deterioration of the stonework is severe and an evaluation of historic photographs reveals the flaking has recently accelerated. We are investigating the mechanisms and reasons for the severity of the effects of magnesian limestone decay, in the hopes of modifying the conditions that are causing the damage on site at Howden. From these investigations it is clear that magnesian sulfate crystallisation and movement, the stone's porosity, and persistent condensation are all contributing factors in the decay. By monitoring environmental changes it is possible to see how and when certain conditions have an adverse effect on the stone and to predict further damage cycles. By recognising the specific conditions which are detrimental to the building, such as condensation, we carry out building works that will lessen the propensity of these deleterious occurrences. Having established a means for assessing the visual and environmental data, we can now make an informed intervention, or series of interventions, and monitor their effect.
Understanding the decay of 14th century magnesian limestone carvings in Yorkshire, UK
The Chapter House at Howden Minster is a small octagonal 14th century magnesian limestone building. The architectural decoration on the interior walls is among the finest of its period in England. The building has been a ruin since the 18th century, and its elaborate interior stone carving has suffered from ongoing erosion. The deterioration of the stonework is severe and an evaluation of historic photographs reveals the flaking has recently accelerated. We are investigating the mechanisms and reasons for the severity of the effects of magnesian limestone decay, in the hopes of modifying the conditions that are causing the damage on site at Howden. From these investigations it is clear that magnesian sulfate crystallisation and movement, the stone's porosity, and persistent condensation are all contributing factors in the decay. By monitoring environmental changes it is possible to see how and when certain conditions have an adverse effect on the stone and to predict further damage cycles. By recognising the specific conditions which are detrimental to the building, such as condensation, we carry out building works that will lessen the propensity of these deleterious occurrences. Having established a means for assessing the visual and environmental data, we can now make an informed intervention, or series of interventions, and monitor their effect.
Understanding the decay of 14th century magnesian limestone carvings in Yorkshire, UK
Verständnis zum Zerfall von Magnesium-Kalkstein Verzierungen des 14. Jahrhunderts in Yorkshire, UK
Pinchin, Sarah Eleni (author) / Curteis, Tobit (author) / Doehne, Eric (author) / Odgers, David (author)
2008
9 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 4 Quellen
Conference paper
Storage medium
English
Petrology of lower magnesian limestone of North-East Yorkshire and South-East Durham
| Engineering Index Backfile | 1962
Magnesian limestone aggregate in concrete
| TIBKAT | 1991
| British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008
Investigations into Decay Mechanisms of Magnesian Limestone at Chapter House, Howden Minster
| British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008