Injection Grout Evaluation in the Field
Conservators and scientists from the Getty Conservation Institute are working with wall paintings conservators from the Herculaneum Conservation Project to evaluate grouts used for conservation of plasters and wall paintings at Herculaneum.
Based on the results of the laboratory testing, field tests were developed to help conservators evaluate and compare grouts on site.. The field test methods and parameters were designed to correlate with the laboratory testing.
Parallel to this, laser speckle interferometry was used to detect the presence of voids in walls due to delamination and to assist in the assessment of delaminated areas following treatment.
The project team worked with conservators from the Herculaneum Conservation Project at the archaeological site of Herculaneum, Italy, on the testing, selection, and modification of injection grouts currently used for filling voids and cracks in wall paintings and stucco elements. Additionally, laser speckle interferometry was used to detect voids in walls, particularly in areas that are difficult to access (ceilings and vaults) with good results.