- Author
- Clifton, J. R.
- Title
- Preservation of Historic Adobe Structures: A Status Report. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
- Sponsor
- Department of the Interior, Washington, DC
- Report
- NBS TN 934, February 1977,
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- buildings; construction materials; cohesive soils; mechanical properties; soil properties; moisture content; clay soils; physiochemical properties; preserving
- Identifiers
- adobe soils; historic buildings; historic preservation
- Abstract
- The physicochemical and mechanical properties of adobe soils and building materials, and the technology of preserving historic adobe structures have been critically reviewed. In most cases, the deterioration of adobe structures can be directly or indirectly correlated with the presence of excess moisture. Therefore, the successful preservation of most historic adobe structures depends largely on effectively protecting these structures from water. This review indicates that the technology of preserving adobe structures needs further development to ensure the longevity of the structures. Areas in which research is needed have been identified and include: (1) the development of standard methods to characterize the composition and physical properties of adobe soils, and the mechanical properties of adobe brick; (2) nondestructive methods to measure the water contents of and watermovement in adobe structures; and (3) the evaluation of the effectiveness of different types of preservation materials and methods.