A chapter of the digital monograph: Site conservation
NOTE: on this topic, cf. also the dedicated topical book on “CONSERVATION”.
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Superposition
While alteration mechanisms affect the very fabric of the structures, another approach to the protection of stationary structures is to superimpose external covers that shield them from harsh atmospheric agents, the three basic types being shelters, adherent covers and backfill.
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Broad base and localized shelters
When shelters are treated in the literature, it is generally understood that they are intended to roof an entire structure (see e.g., Agnew 2001, Palumbo 2001). But a qualification is needed once we introduce the alternative possibility of sheltering the individual components and not the whole of which these components are part.
I use the term “broad base” to refer to the large roofing projects.
I use instead the term “localized shelters” to refer to the system I developed in Mozan, where each wall is protected individually.
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Backfill
Backfilling consists of covering the exposed original document with dirt, reconstituting in some way the original situation before exposure. The main disadvantage is that the original can no longer be seen, either for the visitor or for monitoring (although the latter is possible by installing special devices).
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Alteration
Various interventions can be applied to outdoor elements, which affect the original document with varying degrees of intrusiveness.
Back to top: Overview of protective systems