Experimentation of Earth-Gypsum Plasters for the Conservation of Earthen Constructions

ABSTRACT

Widely spread in many countries, earthen architectures bear important and significant witness to knowledge, building techniques, and technological culture. The preservation of the earthen architectural heritage, as well as the use of this material in contemporary architecture, asks for the experimentation and the development of proper materials and intervention techniques in order to moderate and prevent any process of weathering which may compromise the conservation of the whole earthen heritage over time. The research aim of this article is to design and test earth-based plasters prepared mixing earth and gypsum, with the addition of natural or synthetic products, which can offer an effective means of protection against the atmospheric agents characterising the places in which the constructions are or will be built.

KEYWORDS:

• conservation
• decay
• earthen construction
• gypsum
• plaster

Please note that all authors of this chapter should be considered as principal authors.