ABSTRACT

This research project is focused on the study of the effectiveness of a series of resin bound mortars. Use of this type of artificial materials supposes an alternative to natural stone in order to obtain solutions for conservation treatments such as sealings, replacement of missing parts or replica of altered sculptures and ornamental pieces. Tosca de Rocafort (generically Godella Stone) and Bateig stone (commonly Novelda Stone) have been selected as specific cases of study. These lithic materials, which have been employed in many monuments from the Valencian Heritage, have undergone a considerable physical, chemical and biological deterioration.

The resin bound mortars are obtained by combining a microparticulated filler made from Tosca Rocafort or Bateig stones and, the organic (synthetic resins) or inorganic (lime) binder. Additives which act as retardants as well as biocide agents have also been added in the matrix of the mortar.

The study carried out included the optimization of the experimental parameters which determine the preparation method of the resin bound mortars. Physical, chemical and resistance to the biodegradation properties have been established by means of normalized tests. Similarly, a series of tests devoted to determine the suitability of these resin bound mortars for heritage conservation processes have been designed.

Finally, three examples of application of the proposed resin bond mortars corresponding to different type of interventions, namely, sealing, replacement and replica, carried out on Valencian monuments and sculptures, are described. These real works show the efficiency of the resin bound mortars studied for conservation purposes.