Grant provider: EU
Programme: FP5-EESD
Duration: 02/2003 - 06/2006
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 historical buildings should be repaired by using materials that are compatible with the original historic substance –cannot be met when restoring this important built heritage. The objective of the project was to re-establish manufacture and use of Roman cements. This was 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 were disseminated to material producers and end-users of the technology – restoration workers and authorities.
