Lukáš Balík

In-situ analysis of hygric performance of piaristic monastery building

In situ analysis of hygric state of the educational centre Na Karmeli in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, is presented in the paper. The educational centre is located in the historical building of piaristic monastery. The complex also includes the Church of St. Bonaventure, founded in the middle of fourteen century as a part of the Minorite monastery. Within the experimental analysis, measurement of moisture distribution in several profiles of historical masonry is done on a gravimetric principle. Additionally, non-destructive measurement of moisture content on the facade is done using a capacitive moisture meter. On the basis of experimental results, moisture sources for the masonry are identified and restoration treatments are proposed.

Chapel of cemetery church of all saints in Sedlec – Long-term analysis of hygrothermal conditions

In this paper, long-term monitoring of hygrothermal conditions of the chapel of the cemetery church of All Saints in Sedlec, Czech Republic is presented as a practical tool for evaluation of functional problems of the researched structure. Within the performed experimental tests, interior and exterior climatic conditions were monitored over one year period. Herewith, surface temperature of the chapel wall was measured. Exterior climatic data were collected using weather station Vantage Pro2 placed in church tower. In interior, precise combined relative humidity/temperature sensors were installed. Based on the accessed hygrothermal state of the inspected chapel and identified periods of possible surface condensation, service conditions of the chapel will be optimized in order to prevent extensive damage of historically valuable finishing and furnishing materials, paintings, plasters, and architectural ornaments.In this paper, long-term monitoring of hygrothermal conditions of the chapel of the cemetery church of All Saints in Sedlec, Czech Republic is presented as a practical tool for evaluation of functional problems of the researched structure. Within the performed experimental tests, interior and exterior climatic conditions were monitored over one year period. Herewith, surface temperature of the chapel wall was measured. Exterior climatic data were collected using weather station Vantage Pro2 placed in church tower. In interior, precise combined relative humidity/temperature sensors were installed. Based on the accessed hygrothermal state of the inspected chapel and identified periods of possible surface condensation, service conditions of the chapel will be optimized in order to prevent extensive damage of historically valuable finishing and furnishing materials, paintings, plasters, and architectural ornaments.

Long-term monitoring of the Sedlec Ossuary – Analysis of hygrothermal conditions

The Sedlec Ossuary is one of the twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Czech Republic. Although the ossuary is listed among the most visited Czech tourist attractions, its technical state is almost critical and a radical renovation is necessary. On this account, hygrothermal performance of the ossuary is experimentally researched in the presented paper in order to get information on moisture sources and to get necessary data for optimized design of renovation treatments and reconstruction solutions that will allow preserve the historical significance of this attractive heritage site. Within the performed experimental analysis, the interior and exterior climatic conditions are monitored over an almost three year period together with relative humidity and temperature profiles measured in the most damage parts of the ossuary chapel. On the basis of measured data, the long-term hygrothermal state of the ossuary building is accessed and the periods of possible surface condensation are identified.

Application of infrared thermography in complex moisture inspection of the Schebek Palace

In situ moisture inspection of the basement floor of the Schebek Palace was done to get necessary information for intended repairs and adaptation of cellarage. At first, visual inspection of the basement was done to locate places for moisture content measurement. Within the experimental analysis, moisture distribution in several profiles of historical masonry was measured on a gravimetric principle. Herewith, non-destructive measurement of moisture content using a capacitive moisture meter was realised. The applied non-destructive technique made possible to minimize masonry and plaster damage due to the drilling of holes for samples extraction for gravimetric measurements. The capacitance method allowed also identification of wall moistening in larger areas. Since the moisture problems behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors is often impossible to detect until the problem is excessive and visible to the naked eye, infrared thermography was used to provide complex information on hygric state of analysed building. The obtained thermographs allowed to spot suspect areas of excessive moisture that were not apparent from visual control. Infrared camera was also useful in areas, where the moisture content had no clear relation to external moisture sources or did not correspond with capillary action from the subsoil. On the basis of experimental results, moisture sources of the masonry were identified and restoration treatments respecting the historical character of the inspected building were proposed.In situ moisture inspection of the basement floor of the Schebek Palace was done to get necessary information for intended repairs and adaptation of cellarage. At first, visual inspection of the basement was done to locate places for moisture content measurement. Within the experimental analysis, moisture distribution in several profiles of historical masonry was measured on a gravimetric principle. Herewith, non-destructive measurement of moisture content using a capacitive moisture meter was realised. The applied non-destructive technique made possible to minimize masonry and plaster damage due to the drilling of holes for samples extraction for gravimetric measurements. The capacitance method allowed also identification of wall moistening in larger areas. Since the moisture problems behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors is often impossible to detect until the problem is excessive and visible to the naked eye, infrared thermography was used to provide complex information on hygric state of analy...

Applicability of contemporary ceramic bricks for the reconstruction of historical masonry

Two historical ceramic bricks originating from the beginning of 20th century and a contemporary poorly burnt ceramic brick are studied, in order to assess a possible application of current bricks in the renewal of historical masonry. For the researched materials, basic physical, mechanical and hygric properties are analyzed. Among the basic physical properties, determination of bulk density, matrix density, total open porosity and pore size distribution is done. The mechanical performance is characterized by compressive strength and Young’s modulus. The moisture transport properties that represent crucial parameters for the durability of tested materials are described by water absorption coefficient and sorptivity, whereas the measurements are done for the penetration of pure water, as well as 1M NaCl water solution. The obtained data indicate that the studied currently produced ceramic brick can be successfully used at the reconstruction of historical buildings.

Methodology for Determination of the Requirement of Repair of External Facades of ETICS due to the Occurrence of Microorganisms

The submitted article deals with a relatively new phenomenon, which is monitoring and solution to minimization of microorganisms ́ occurrence on the surface of the External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). The importance of the solution has been becoming more important both from the point of view of health risk for inhabitants and accelerated degradation of particular layers of the ETICS due to the presence of these microorganisms. The article submits conceptual methodological solution to the reduction of count of microorganisms on the ETICS surface from diagnosis, setting out criteria for the necessity of determination of macrobiotic biodeteriogens to subsequent rehabilitation design.

Rehabilitation of Historical Drainage and Ventilation System in the Prague Castle Area

The paper deals with a structural survey of the historic drainage and ventilation system discovered recently in the Prague Castle area. Based on in-situ inspection the remedial works in the context of historic importance of the area are presented. The experimental testing is used for the assessment of the efficiency of remedial technologies, but also for a deeper investigation of moisture transport phenomena in heterogeneous materials. The data collected for the investigated aspects should allow foresight of the behavior of existing structures providing damage prediction models and help in the design of remedial measures.

Experimental Tests of Water Vapour Permeability of Plasters

In the paper there are summarized results of diffusion properties of mortars. Water vapour permeability represented by diffusion thicknesses and water vapour resistance factors are except mechanical properties the most important physical parameters of historic buildings. These parameters are influenced by border conditions among that mainly temperature, relative humidity and barometric air pressure belong. It is necessary to know these parameters to understand a material behaviour after a flood. They are decisive for a determination how quick a diffusion speed rate will be and a drying process will take. Everything depends on a type of binder, a material of a structure itself and primarily on properties of mortar and plaster and finishing. After a flood it is necessary to know when users of buildings can start to make rehabilitations and which of them are proper for particular material and when can return to their homes.

Water Vapour Resistance Factors of Three Wall Surface Finishing

There are results of water vapour resistance factors of three compositions commonly used for wall finishing in the paper. The compositions are: basic adhesive diffusion mortar; basic adhesive diffusion mortar with silicate plaster; basic adhesive diffusion mortar with acrylic plaster. There are not only the results of water vapour resistance factors but there are also the discussions as well as the impacts of the border conditions, it means temperature, relative humidity and barometric air pressure in the paper.

Determination of Effects of UV Radiation on Remedial Plasters

The paper deals with the influence of climatic factors on selected properties of remedial plaster. The results of experimental measurements of hydrophobicity on samples of plasters after exposure to UV radiation are analyzed.