Читать книгу Monument Future - Siegfried Siegesmund - Страница 138

The project provided the unique opportunity for the Austrian and Mongolian conservators and conservation scientists to study a stone monument from the 8th century, which has been continuously exposed to weathering.

Condition surveys together with extensive analyses of taken samples and three non-destructive field tests enabled to characterize the extent and type of decay. The findings showed a clear correlation between material instrinsic properties and prevalent decay patterns: while the stone varieties with layering mainly suffered from delamination, those without layering were rather affected by disintegration. They further revealed that particularly the human- and animal-shaped sculptures are, different to what was expected, heavily decayed and suffer from advanced disintegration.

Surface temperature measurements and the evaluation of meterological and climate data suggested that thermal loads and temperature gradients rather than freeze-thaw-cyles enhance decay and weathering of the site.

Based on the findings, the conservation treatment concept was developed and implemented. While the emphasis at the animal- and human-shaped sculptures was on the injection of fissures and partial consolidation, backfilling and micro pointing were carried out at the two steles.

Monitoring, survey, assessment and conservation of the heritage site have been carried out in a collaborative model-like approach to be utilized as a best practice example for future preservation efforts. In addition, the field tests, which were carried out for the first time at the respective site, provided important measurement data on pulse velocities and water absorptions of local stone varities to be used for comparative studies at similar sites in Mongolia.