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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R93988/01
Title: In-situ precipitation of calcite to conserve stone masonry
Principal Investigator: Buenfeld, Professor NR
Other Investigators:
De Freitas, Dr MH
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Alan Baxter & Associates BRE Group (Building Res Establishment) Geotechnical Consulting
Historic Bldgs & Mnts Commis for England Historic Scotland Lithic Technology Pty Ltd
RJM Sutherland Scottish Lime Centre Trust
Department: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2002 Ends: 31 March 2006 Value (£): 244,660
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Civil Engineering Materials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Construction Technical Consultancy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project investigates the potential of in situ precipitation of calcite (CIPS) for use in conserving stone masonry. CIPS was developed for improving insitu the geotechnical properties of soil and involves permeation of a solution from which a large volume of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate) precipitates in a controlled manner. It replicates natural calcite cementation processes in days instead of geological time periods and for rocks originally containing calcium carbonate has the potential for providing a far more attractive method of conservation than existing methods. The project would involve developing an improved understanding of the solution chemistry of CIPS, optimising it for application to stone masonry, applying CIPS to a range of rock types and mortars of varying degrees of deterioration in the lab and in situ, characterising the effect of CIPS on microstructure, mechanical properties and transport properties, assessing the durability of the CIPS treatment and developing recommendations concerning situations where CIPS is likely to be effective and where it is not.
Key Findings
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Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk