Poulticing vs electrophoresis desalination of historic masonry, The case of the mill at Hoksem

Author(s): Sebastiaan Godts, Hilde De Clercq, Roald Hayen
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference
Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering 2016 segment on
Historical Masonry
Editor(s): Inge Rörig-Dalgaard and Ioannis Ioannou
ISBN: 978-2-35158-178-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-179-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 158-166
Total Pages: 9
Language : English

Abstract: Salts in historical masonry are a known destructive force and despite extensive research the
results of desalination procedures remain unclear. A common used method for salt extraction
is the use of poultice materials, while a more experimental technique is electrophoresis. In-situ
the processes of both methods remain empiric and the results are more or less random. For the
success of a salt extraction it has become clear that it is crucial to evaluate certain parameters
before taking action. This paper deals with the state of the art of desalination of historic masonry
by means of poulticing and electrophoresis, based on results of a case study. Both methods have
been applied on a historical masonry of a barn in the old mill house in Hoksem-Hoegaarden,
Belgium. The results of poulticing indicate that the efficiency is rather limited, especially for
the brick and in the depth of the masonry, and that salts are often redistributed in the masonry.
While electrophoresis tests show more positive results in terms of desalination in the depth of
the brick and mortar, several important questions related to the method for evaluating the salt
extraction effect as well as to the formation of potential dangerous compounds remain
unanswered.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00