Research Abstracts


Book Description




Research Abstracts of the Scientific Program


Book Description

This series presents current research being conducted under the auspices of the Getty Conservation Institute.An overview of research from 1984 to 1994, including environmental controls in museums, the use of protective materials and analyses in the conservation of cultural objects and archaeological sites, and the use of new technologies for monitoring, documentation, and analysis.




Seismic Stabilization of Historic Adobe Structures


Book Description

This book describes tests performed on model adobe buildings to evaluate seismic damage mitigation techniques applicable to the retrofitting of historic and culturally significant adobe structures. Part of the Getty Seismic Adobe Project (GSAP), the three-year program outlined in this volume was designed to develop and test minimally invasive, inexpensive, and easily implemented methods of protecting such structures from severe earthquake damage. Small- and large-scale models were tested on computer-controlled shaking tables at Stanford University and at the IIZIS Earthquake Engineering Laboratory in the Republic of Macedonia, respectively. The authors identify typical failure modes of adobe structures and describe specific retrofit techniques to help minimize such failures. Extensive photographic documentation is included.




Planning and Engineering Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofitting of Historic Adobe Structures


Book Description

Adobe, or mud brick, has been widely used as a building material in the American Southwest, including California. The vulnerability of many original adobe structures to damage or destruction from earthquakes has been of great concern. The guidelines presented here address the practical aspects of this problem and represent the culmination of 12 years of research and testing on the seismic retrofitting of adobe buildings. These guidelines can assist in the planning of seismic retrofitting projects consistent with both conservation principles and established public policy.




Survey of Damage to Historic Adobe Buildings After the January 1994 Northridge Earthquake


Book Description

Spanish colonial missions and Mexican rancho and pueblo adobe structures are among California's earliest existing structures and the only above-ground remains of the state's original settlement by the Spanish and Mexican people. The Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994, resulted in tragic losses to a number of these historic adobe buildings. The earthquake also provided a rare opportunity to assess the damage that can occur to such structures as the result of a large earthquake. The intent of this study—part of the GCI's long-term commitment to researching conservation measures appropriate for historic adobe structures—was to survey the damage to buildings and make an informed evaluation of their seismic performance. The ultimate goal was to use the lessons learned from the Northridge earthquake and the results of retrofit research to help owners, building officials, cultural resource managers, architects, and engineers to understand the risks earthquakes pose to historic adobe buildings and the necessity for taking considered action to limit those risks.




Scientific Examination of Art


Book Description

Examines the application of scientific methods to the study and conservation of art and cultural properties. This work addresses scientific topics of broad interest, cutting across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and attracting up to 250 leadingresearchers in the field.




Biodeterioration Research


Book Description

Once again the present volume contains the majority of the papers presented at the Third Pan-American Biodeterioration Society Meeting held at The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA, on August 3, 4, 5, and 6, 1989. The sponsors for this symposium included The George Washington University, The Smithsonian Institution, The Virginia Department of Health, The University of Connecticut, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Clark Atlanta University, Ball State University, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, the Agriculture Research Service/U. S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Morehouse College, the University of Texas at Houston, North Carolina State University, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Forest Service/U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program was developed by members of the Program, Planning, and Organizing Committee. Leading scientists in specific topic areas were invited. Also we accepted contributed papers from individuals and laboratories actively involved in relevant areas of research and study. The participation of internationally established scientists was encouraged. The Society CPABS) tried to ensure that the program reflected current developments, informed reviews, embryonic and developing areas, and critical assessment for several aspects of the present state of knowledge as it relates to the major sections of the proceedings. Obviously, not all aspects of biodeterioration or biodegradation are represented.




Conservation and Seismic Strengthening of Byzantine Churches in Macedonia


Book Description

Between the ninth and fourteenth century, hundreds of architecturally exquisite Byzantine churches, many of them adorned with beautiful frescoes, were built in the area now known as the Republic of Macedonia. The condition of these buildings has been of ongoing concern because of deterioration and destruction from forces both human and natural, including devastating earthquakes. This book summarizes the results of a four-year study to develop and test seismic retrofitting techniques for the repair and strengthening of those ancient Byzantine churches still in existence. The volume considers the conservation of historic buildings in seismic zones; surveys the condition of fifty existing Byzantine churches in Macedonia; and details the design, construction, and seismic testing of a half-scale model church. The volume also includes representative experimental and technical data.