Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/L57739/01
Title:	SURFACE MODIFICATION OF BUILDING STONE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT
Principal Investigator:	Smith, Professor B
Other Investigators:	Long, Professor AE Basheer, Professor M McAlister, Dr JJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Sch of Geography
Organisation:	Queen's University of Belfast
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 December 1997	Ends:	31 August 2001	Value (£):	171,899
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Civil Engineering Materials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
This is an interdisciplinary examination of the origins and the physical, chemical and thermal impacts of surface alteration to porous limestones and sandstones in polluted urban environments. It combines expertise in physical and chemical decay processes and crust formation (Geosciences) with a knowledge of permeability measurement and structural properties of materials (Built Environment). The study integrates the characterisation of alteration and decay phenomena, exposure trials, laboratory simulations and studies of the physical consequences of surface alteration with an existing data bank on sandstone and limestone decay and black crust formation. Results will be used to define criteria for the identification of surface alteration phenomena by builders and conservators and to assist in the determination of conservation strategies. To facilitate this, Belfast City Council and a leading Conservation Architect will provide access to buildings and practical experience through an end-users advisory panel. Work will entail modification of an existing system developed at Queens for assessment of concrete permeability (Autoclam) for use on building stone. Practical applications of the research will be supported by methodological and theory-based publications on alteration processes in international journals and presentations at academic and professional conferences.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.qub.ac.uk