ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: In the present study, metallurgical slags were investigated and characterized, concerning their mineralogy, chemistry and texture. The slag samples were collected close to the ancient village of Archampolis, located in the southern Euboea Island, Greece. The aim of the study was to define the kind of the archaeometallurgy, i.e. extraction of copper, silver, or iron, as well as to suggest possible sources of the ores which were used as raw materials burned in the kilns. Qualitative mineralogy and texture of the slags was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The determination of the major and trace elements of the samples was performed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). By combining all analytical results, it was concluded that the metallurgy was applied for iron extraction, as the samples consist of ferrous, glassy slags, while one sample was interpreted as a semi-melted host-rock containing the original minerals. Geochemically, it turned out that certain slag pieces are enriched in Cu, As, Pb and Tl, which indicates a possible origin of the initial ferric ore from the oxidization of the mixed sulfide ore. Such primary and oxidized polymetallic mineral deposits occur in the area of south Euboea Island, some of them exploited since the Antiquity. Another possible source could be Andros Island, being the closest area to Archampolis seawards, which hosts significant deposits of iron ores, most of them exploited for centuries.

ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: Traditional watermills for grain production are found in many places across the world. However, despite being an integral part of rural agriculture throughout history, these structures have received little attention in comparison to other monuments and traditional structures. Hence, studies of their building materials, including mortars, remain scarce. This paper focuses on the assessment of four mortar samples received from the Vartalis watermill in Cyprus. The study is part of a wider project focusing on the building materials (especially mortars) of a number of watermills around Nicosia, Cyprus. Two of the four mortar sam-ples investigated were extracted from the aqueduct leading to the watermill, while the remaining two were obtained from the water tower of the watermill. In both cases, the mortars were in direct contact with water whilst the watermill was operative. Hence, the assessment involved an insight into their consistency and hydraulic properties. Macroscopic observations and laboratory analytical experimental techniques, which included powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis on the binder/aggregate fractions separately and Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA) on the bulk samples, were employed for the detailed study and characterization of the mortars. The results showed that all four mortar samples were consistent, with densely packed river sand as aggregate material and occasional presence of lime lumps and coal. They also revealed the presence of calcite and crushed ceramic in the binder fraction, and quartz and plagioclase (albite) in the aggregate fraction. Notably, the CO2/H2O ratio of the samples ranged between 1.2 and 3, suggesting that these may be classified as strongly hydraulic lime mortars.

ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: From the end of the 18th century, along with the rapid industrial development, the building industry entered a period of innovation, with an increasing variety of new industrial building materials entering the markets and gradually replacing natural building materials. In an environment of rapid urbanisation, the construction materials’ industry responded to the demand for large scale constructions, requiring innovative technologies to be implemented massively, safely and at low cost. New materials were developed by an excessive industrial development resulting from scientific progress and the consequent development of new construction technologies, refined by pioneering architects and engineers. Nowadays, historic structures and the variety of construction methods related to them have been recognised and analysed in depth, as proven by the richness of the relevant literature. New building materials and construction technologies spread to the periphery of industrial growth, according to the demand, regulated by local socio-economic conditions. In Greece, innovative materials and technology were implemented in the late 19th century, in two ways: (i). In large-scale constructions elaborated by architects and engineers, with the use of new materials following the application of innovative construction technologies. However, such cases were rare as not of primary demand and possibly associated with high costs, especially for constructions using imported steel products, (ii). In small-scale constructions, especially houses dating from 1890 to 1920, in rural as well as in urban areas. According to J.M.F. Pardo, this architectural category is to be classified as vernacular, as “Vernacular architecture can be defined as a type of regional construction influenced by geography, available materials, climate, traditions and culture, that is produced by non-experts through knowledge transmitted and enriched from one generation to the next” [6]. Moreover, on the basis of both international charters for the protection of architectural heritage, the concept of “vernacular architecture” broadens to include any kind of widespread, everyday “architecture without architects” expressing local conditions, resources and cultures.

ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: The central position of the "Terzakis house" in the pre-revolutionary town layout of Nafplion supports scientific findings that the building is probably a converted pre-revolutionary building, built according to Ottoman construction and morphological standards Has be done also a relevant study of the building according the Ottoman cubit of the late 18th century testifying that pre-revolutionarity. It was detailed recorded with laser scanning by Imantosis office. The building took its present form after the relevant Kapodistrias Decree for the deposition of şahniş (in Turkish, which is a traditional type of bay window) and other mainly oriental elements. The "Terzakis building" is built in a continuous dense building system of Nauplion on the homonymous street. It consists of a ground floor with commercial uses while the first floor had a residential function. Auxiliary uses of the residence were obviously served by the attic, while its small terrace is probably an element of post-revolutionary conversion A small courtyard to the west had access from the ground floor and to it became the later loggia-sun terrace.The suggestions are presented as they were proposed for the restoration per floor: At the Ground Floor in the western space, a HEA 200 metal beam will be supported under the floor wall with beam support with cross intermediate elements. For the entire floor, there is a configuration with wooden elongated boards attached to a strong cement mortar base with a gap of 8cm for EM, on the gross beton which is placed on a layer of screed for moisture protection. Under the newer beton beams there are wall thickness additions with elements of plasterboard walls, 15 cm thick, with an internal galvanized metal frame. Vertical HEA200 reinforcements will be placed in total of the eastern wall (with horizontal elements high, as he static by N. Papailiou suggested), and will be covered with drywall in the visible parts around it.All the interior walls of the main floor are reconstructed as light construction with visible coating as the existing ones, and according to the static proposal. Reconstruction of balcony to courtyard according to surviving elements on the west wall and coating with a double wooden element 2 cm (static) and construction of a simple wooden parapet of mild gray color ~RAL 1012 Reconstruction of doors and windows of the west courtyard wall (light construction) according to surviving and imprinted data and reconstruction of both dark ones with crickets (the surviving SW paneled repair) to the southernmost ones. The central window (part of the double) will It is represented in color internally and simply nailed its shutters externally. The flooring of all areas of the Floor will be done with a double wooden element with a thickness of 2 cm. (see structural design) on floor beams.It is planned to reconstruct a wall of light structure at the western boundary of the hall, with the reconstruction of its door according to the same to the East. To improve the static, a reconstructed section of a wall (longitudinal at the southern end of the B space) of a built structure is foreseen, corresponding to the surviving traces on the ground floor.Vertical HEA 200 reinforcement of the eastern wall (with horizontal elements high, as the static proposal) and coverage of the visible parts with elements of drywall. (as at the Ground Floor). Maintenance and repainting of floor openings (and also of the Ground floor) and addition of double glazing! There will also be maintenance, repair & additions of wooden beams below and repainting of the balcony elementsIt is important the proposed repair and reinforcement in the SW corner of the building due to the (arbitrary) foundation here of a column of an adjacent building! At the attic is very critical the reconstruction of roof support elements of the small flat roof and of the surfaces of the construction. There will also be a fully reconstructed wall of lightweight structure at the roof boundary with a visible white coating on the outside Its structure as provided for in the structural study. The walls towards the roof of light structure will be reconstructed with exact reconstruction of their openings, It is also planned to reconstruct all parts of the wall at the staircase boundaries) In the central area of the attic will be made a newly constructed telephone service counter, centre of CCTV surveillance unit. Also newly constructed small WC at attic level in the small room to the S. Additional is proposed repair & reinforcement of the east wall (upper zone) and reconstruction of the southern part in combination with the installation of attic floor beams. Floor configuration of loft spaces with a single wooden element 2 thick, according the static proposal. Light walls defining the eastern zone will be aligned for static reasons. All interior walls & attic are reconstructed as light construction with visible coating as existing.A complete reconstruction with roof restoration is planned, according to the structural proposal and the building details, i.e. with "screwed" tiles and appropriate placement of breathable waterproofing sheet and extruded polystyrene 4cm. For the roof ia also proposed completion (by its reconstruction) of its western edge and its protruding underlying wooden cover according to drawings & recording. Complete reconstruction of roofs “machia” and rainwater collection in the N NW section, with tiles & auxiliary stainless steel sheet underneath them and free flow to the lower open small roof.The study was examined and approved by the Central Counsil for the Newer Monuments.

ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: The degradation of marble monuments and statues is an ever-growing concern, due to increased industrialization, the extensive urban development and the persisting environmental quality problems. Preservation of the built cultural heritage and artefacts necessitates the development of novel materials and methods in order to increase their resistivity against the detrimental impacts of atmospheric water and pollutants. Over the past few decades, numerous protective coatings have been introduced to ensure the integrity of cultural heritage and prevent their degradation, by reducing the rates of building materials deterioration. Protective coatings designed for cultural items are generally expected to adhere to established restoration standards, including transparency, reversibility, compatibility with the surface, long-term durability, straightforward synthesis, cost efficient maintenance, and non-toxicity. Among coatings most often used for the protection of calcareous stone poly acrylates and nanoparticles of metal oxides play significant role in conservation and restoration activities. Graphene derivatives, including graphene oxide (GO), have garnered significant attention as protective coatings. In this study, we have studied graphene oxide-based structures as potential coatings for historical monuments protection. Specifically, the resistance to dissolution, of Dionysos marble (DM) specimens (1.5 x 1.5 cm x cm) were treated with Polyacrylic acid, MW 2000 (PAA2000), Hydroxy ethylideno, -1-1 diphosphonic acid, sodium salt (HEDP) solutions and with GO suspension. DM, consists mainly of calcite (>98% w/w). All compounds tested for the treatment of DM, possessed functional groups capable of interactions with calcitic marble surfaces. The specimens were equilibrated with the solutions and suspension as follows: 2-5x10-5 mol/L for PAA and HEDP 2x10-5-5x10-4 % w/v GO suspensions in water. Equilibration was done by the immersion of DM test slabs in the solutions and the suspension in 50 mL vials, capped and rotated end over end to ensure homogeneity for 24 hours at 250C. Past equilibration, the specimens were rinsed with triply distilled demineralized water and they were air dried. The samples were mounted into special holders, in special reactors allowing flow of at calcium carbonate unsaturated solutions (σ=0.89, pH 6.50) with flow rate 4.5 mL·h-1 in contact with both specimen surfaces. From measurements of pH and calcium concentration at the outlet of the reactors the rates of dissolution of the specimens for each treatment tested was calculated. It was found that the equilibration of the marble specimens with GO suspensions was the most efficient, yielding dissolution rate 70% lower in comparison with the respective of the untreated marble. PAA treated specimens did also retard the rate of dissolution of marble but to a less extent (ca. 30%). HEDP treatment was ineffective in retarding the dissolution rate of the DM specimens possibly because of the enhancement of the calcitic material solubility in the presence of HEDP or because of structural rearrangement of the adsorbed phosphonate species on DM calcitic grains.

ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: In contemporary European urban landscapes, the presence of 19th and 20th-century modern period architecture stands as a defining characteristic, contributing significantly to EU Built Heritage. These structures serve as substantial reflections of local and national identity. However, despite their historical significance, many of these buildings present considerable challenges in terms of energy efficiency, particularly in heating and cooling systems. Addressing this issue is crucial for preserving their cultural value while aligning with contemporary sustainability goals. The SINCERE project endeavors to explore the intrinsic worth of Built Heritage while offering practical solutions to improve energy performance and reduce the carbon footprint of historic buildings. Through the integration of innovative restoration materials, energy-efficient technologies, ICT tools, and socially innovative approaches, SINCERE aims to facilitate the transition of these structures towards net-zero carbon emissions. Adopting a holistic approach, the project encompasses various scales, from individual building components to entire cityscapes, considering factors such as structural integrity, architectural uniqueness, and local environmental conditions. Additionally, SINCERE aims to empower stakeholders with innovative solutions covering the entire lifecycle of buildings, from restoration to maintenance. By providing sustainable restoration options and raising awareness through outreach, the project fosters a culture of preservation within European communities, securing the legacy of Cultural Heritage for future generations.

ABSTRACT. Online: Natural stone and stone-built cultural heritage suffer weathering and decay by condensed water. Consecutive freezing and thawing cycles inside the pores of the stone cause the stone deterioration. In addition, air pollutants can also be transferred and cause stone decomposition. Hydrophobization of natural stone surfaces is a practical method to impede water induced degradation of buildings of cultural heritage. Silane/siloxane-based products are commonly used for the conservation of natural stone since they possess three important properties: high depth of penetration, stability, and hydrophobicity. The inherent hydrophobic character of the silane/ siloxane-based materials originates from the organic groups which are attached to the Si atoms of the backbone chain. Polysiloxane networks originate from small precursor molecules of silanes and siloxanes. These molecules can penetrate deep into the stone network before they become highly viscous gels (i.e., polysiloxanes) through the sol-gel process. This results to higher depths of penetrations by the silane-based consolidants, compared with the high molecular weight organic polymers used in the past for stone consolidation. Polysiloxane materials are often considered as hybrid materials because their backbone chains are formed by the siloxane (Si-O) bond which is of “inorganic” nature, while the substituents attached to the Si atom are generally “organic” radicals. This dual nature of polysiloxane compounds offers both stability and hydrophobicity. Stability originates from the high strength of the Si-O bond compared with the C-C bond which forms the backbones of organic polymers. In particular, the strengths of the Si-O and C-C bonds correspond to 108 and 83 kcal/mol, respectively. High Si-O bond strength offers siloxanebased materials with considerable thermal stability as well as good corrosion and UV resistance. The introduction of fluorine molecules enhances water repellency and resistance by lowering the surface tension of the treated surfaces. In the present work two materials were used to treat limestone specimens: Dynasylan F8261 (1H,1H,2H,2HPerfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, PFOES), purchased from Evonik, and KSE 300 which according to the manufacturer (Remmers) is a stone strengthener on a silicic acid ester base and it is provided for the consolidation of natural stone.

ABSTRACT. Online: The millennial bond between the city of Matera and its calcarenite rock is of fundamental importance to understand the history of the city’s architectural heritage.Calcarenite, a sedimentary limestone rock of biochemical origin, is easily workable but is characterized by low mechanical resistance and significant vulnerability to biological and physico-chemical degradation processes, especially those related to the presence of water.Starting from the eighties of the last century, when a strategic plan for the recovery of the Sassi was launched, numerous restoration projects have been carried out. Furthermore, improper repair and rebuilding of masonries have profoundly altered the aesthetic and formal value of the buildings. Despite these challenges, Matera’s architectural heritage gained significant recognition in 2019 when the city was designated as European Capital of Culture.Configuring itself as a laboratory of experimental restoration practices, Matera is well suited for analysis aimed at identifying the best practices currently available in the field of architectural heritage conservation. Therefore the paper is focused on the critical analysis of interventions carried out on three emblematic cases of the city that have suffered significant surface deterioration due to environmental and construction factors, as well as the presence of rising damp in the walls: the Church of San Pietro Barisano, the Church of San Francesco D’Assisi and the Diocesan Museum. From these studies it was possible to identify the general procedural aspects that lead towards the proposal of a protocol of best conservation practices, which pays attention to every phase of the design process.

ABSTRACT. In Person Presentation: Among the different binding structures used for archive purposes, notarial ledgers were used for keeping records such as deeds, contracts etc. and usually have simple yet stable binding structures. Currently, numerous bindings of this type are preserved in the collections of the General State Archives of Greece (G.S.A.), in Athens and regional archives. A PhD research project is recently undertaken to study notarial bindings kept in Greek archives and libraries, aiming to classify the different types of binding structures, record their present condition and give explanations of deterioration mechanisms and styling influences. In the ongoing research, a survey form for the documentation of the bindings is used to collect data concerning:-the manuscript identification (catalogue number, place, name of notary, dates of writing), -the textblock (the composition of the gatherings, with information on the particular features of the paper support, such as thickness, colour, texture and watermarks),- the inks used for writing and indexing (e.g. colour, texture, etc.),- codicological elements such as the dimensions of the volume and the textblock, number of gatherings, quality of paper, number and format of endleaves, pagination,-the technique of the binding (limp, semi-limp, full binding, half, or quarter),-the binding features, such as the materials and cover decoration, the attachment system of the boards, the sewing structure (i.e. number and materials of supports, colour and quality of sewing thread, twist of thread, spine lining and shape, method of tacketing, endbands, ties and labels).A section of the survey form is dedicated to the detailed description of the present condition of the bookblock and the binding structures (textblock, cover, sewing, cover attachment, endbands, spine linings and shape, ties or clasps, endleaves). A general assessment of the condition of the volume is given based on a four-grade system. Each survey form is accompanied by a photographic documentation report. It should be noted that, in the survey form, the check lists of the predefined values are used for the more efficient processing of the data collected. This paper will discuss the database specially designed to accommodate the information gathered from the systematic recording of the features of the notarial bindings. The processing of the gradually compiled data is expected to: a. give statistic elements useful for the classification of the different structures found in the category of notarial bindings, b. reveal similarities of construction that show possible influences from local artisans or from larger centres of production and c. provide an overall view of the condition of the bindings.

ABSTRACT. Online: The study describes a first approach of integration among infrared thermography inspections under solar loading conditions, and a heating provided by magnetic induction in view of a future induction thermography test. An ancient bronze helmet, part of a statue located in L'Aquila (Italy) and inaugurated on October 14th, 1928, is the sample under test (SUT) herein. The corrosion process over time (17 years: 2007 – 2024) is evaluated via numerical and experimental techniques. It requires the presence of a temperature gradient priming the heat transfer mechanism through the SUT. Experimental configurations of infrared thermography (IRT) allowed the detection of defects like, e.g. cracks and pitting. For this reason, the study was integrated with a preliminary magnetic induction test, i.e. a numerical model, in view of a future in situ thermographic test. To determine the appropriate distance and working time of the induction heater, a modeling was carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics®. The ancient bronze helmet was acquired by a non-contact instrument produced by CREAFORM model Go! SCAN 3D®. The mesh was exported in COMSOL Multiphysics® for further conditioning and processing. In particular, the authors used the magnetic field coupling with heat transfer package to obtain a reasonable thermal distribution on the modeled artefact. Concerning the thermographic analyses, a FLIR S65 HS and a FLIR T1020 thermal camera were used in the 2007 and 2024 inspections, respectively.  A preliminary post-processing of the latest thermographic data is performed herein.

ABSTRACT. Online: This study focuses on the 2009 earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy, as a case study. A user-friendly household monitoring method was adopted for systematic data collection, aiming to enhance the comprehensive understanding of particle pollution. Multivariate statistical methods, such as principal component analysis and partial least squares regression, were implemented for data analysis. Mutual information was also utilized to explore the relationships between variables. Additionally, a deep learning model was developed to predict the diffusion patterns of dust around demolished buildings, attempting to forecast the quantity of suspended particles. Given the data’s potential correlation with time series, auto-regressive integrated moving average models were employed as well to forecast particle counts. By combining traditional statistical techniques with advanced analytical tools, it is expected to gain deeper insights into the complex dynamics of air quality during the building demolition process.