Conservation of Historic Brick Structures

Book excerpt: Despite the widespread use of brick construction throughout the world, there has been no major investigation into its deterioration and durability. This book provides the results of a major international study led by West Germany which examines the causes of decay in addition to the treatment and methods of conserving brickwork and historic mortars. The deterioration mechanisms discussed cover bio deterioration, salt damage and the effects of air pollutants and moisture on masonry. Considerable attention is also devoted to historic mortars and renders, their analysis, behaviour under the stress of air pollution and the development of compatible modern formulations. Conservation methods for brick masonry, including de-salination, protective coatings and injection grouting are examined in detail. A useful and extensive range of case study material is also provided. This volume represents the most comprehensive, state of the art overview of the conservation of historic brick masonry, and will be an invaluable source of reference for all conservation practitioners and researchers working in this field.