To select the most appropriate intervention in a conservation or repair project, you must understand the nature of the materials used in the construction of a building or site. Conservation scientists at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) use a variety of analytical techniques to understand how these materials decay over time and how certain interventions might affect their integrity and longevity.
The day will begin with an overview of how science is increasingly used – both in the lab and on site – to analyse the nature and condition of traditional materials in Scotland and beyond. Then we will look at different types of analytical processes used by the Engine Shed’s Heritage Science team to determine the source, composition, structure and current condition of stonework and timber, as well as to monitor moisture ingress in our traditional buildings and determine thermal efficiency.
Learning outcomes
You will:
1. Understand how analytical scientific techniques can enhance our understanding of the nature of traditional building materials and can explain how they decay over time.
2. Discover how petrographic analysis is used to determine the chemical composition and physical structure of natural building stone and how this helps identify new sources of material for repair.
3. Learn about the range of analytical techniques used to monitor moisture ingress in traditional buildings and how thermal efficiency of a building may be measured.
4. Understand the important role of dendrochronology and other types of timber analysis help determine the age, source and likely longevity of timberwork in Scotland’s traditional buildings.
Speakers
· Gordon Urquhart, Postgraduate Course Manager, Historic Environment Scotland
· Dr Aurélie Turmel, Heritage Science Manager, Historic Environment Scotland
· Dr Callum Graham, Conservation Scientist, Historic Environment Scotland
· Dr Maureen Young, Conservation Scientist, Historic Environment Scotland
· Dr Lisa Brown, Archaeological Science Manager, Historic Environment Scotland
Who should attend?
We encourage graduates, heritage professionals and building practitioners from all disciplines interested in developing their knowledge and practice in traditional buildings to consider attending.
We also welcome anyone responsible for a traditional building or with an interest in the broader aspects of architectural history and building conservation in Scotland.
Agenda
09:30am: Arrival tea and coffee
10:00am: Introduction and welcome
10:10am: The Science of Conservation
10:40am: Petrographic Analysis
11:10am: Break
11:20am: Moisture Ingress and Thermal Efficiency
11:50pm: Dendrochronology and Timber Analysis
12:20pm: Q & A
