Abstract:This paper presents the results of the analysis of lead isotopes and trace elements carried out on the samples from a group of painted bronze waterfowls unearthed from Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Park. The analytical results are compared with the lead isotope and trace elements data on related bronzes and copper ores. The compared bronzes include early Qin cultural bronzes unearthed from the eastern part of Gansu province and the western part of Shaanxi province, bronze objects unearthed from Yu state cemetery and the Lijia bronze foundries in Baoji. The copper ores used for comparison include ancient copper ores from Zhongtiaoshan mountain in Shanxi province, Ruichang and Tongling in Jiangxi province, Tongling in Anhui province, Dayetonglvshan in Hubei province and modern copper ores from different mines in Qinling mountain. The results show that similar copper ores were used for all the 46 bronze waterfowls and most of the early Qin cultural bronzes, but that these were different from the western Zhou bronzes unearthed from Yu state cemetery and the Lijia bronze foundries in Baoji. The lead isotope profiles of copper ore used for bronze waterfowls and early Qin cultural bronzes are similar to those of modern copper ores in the Qinling Mountains.

Abstract:The chemical properties of the paper determines its life; therefore, the durability of paper can be assessed by testing its chemical properties. Specimens of paper were individually treated by four oxidation decontamination materials, and then aged using dry heat. The paper samples were then characterized by measuring αcellulose content, xylogen content, copper number and carboxylic acid content. These chemical properties were compared with those before aging, and with those of the blank paper samples. The results suggested that the chemical properties of the paper samples treated by KMnO₄ H₂C₂O₄ changed more than those treated by the other three materials. In contrast, the chemical properties of the paper samples treated by chloramineT changed the least.

Abstract:In 1977, the oracle bones from Zhouyuan site were unearthed for the first time and became important cultural relics for research on the Western Zhou dynasty. To help protect the precious oracle bones and realize the current situation, this batch of oracle bones is compared with the fresh ones unearthed in 2010. Scanning electron microscopy,infrared spectroscopy,Xray diffraction and Xray fluorescence have been used to show surface microscopic characteristics, elemental composition and the chemical structure. The results indicate that after more than two thousand years hidden in the earth, pickling and about 30 years exposing in the air, the oracle bones unearthed in 1977 have deteriorated significantly, for example, by powdering, the fading away of microporous structure and disorderly cracking. Inorganic elements like hydroxyapatite have remained, but proteins and other organic compounds have decomposed. For the oracle bones unearthed in 2010 and kept without any human disturbance, the surface is smooth and there is a small amount of retained organic matter. This research result can be used as a basic reference for researches on methods and materials for oracle relics preservation.

Abstract:The security of colored paintings has been seriously threatened by a large amount of condensed water on the frescos in two Southern Tang dynasty cemeteries as the seasons change. Data obtained from July to August in 2013 indicated that the temperature and humidity in the tombs are continually 22 ℃ and 100%, respectively. Based on this investigation and survey, a new method to control condensed water by using air curtains and dehumidifiers was proposed. As a result, the humidity indoor was reduced from 100% to 90%. In this case, the condensed water on the frescos is effectively controlled.

Abstract:This paper describes a study of the performance of hydraulic lime modified soil material for soil site collapse. The research results showe that hydraulic lime modified soil material display little color change, a low shrinkage rate, no cracking, good water stability, high compressive strength, good resistance to freezing and good resistance to drywet alternations. Compared with the performance of traditional lime, hydraulic lime modified soil materials is more suitable for soil site collapse disease restoration and reinforcement. This research provides scientific basis for protection and restoration of soil sites.

Abstract:The weathering of rock arts located in the Helan Mountains has been severe damaged and shows characteristic patterns of crack propagation and exfoliation. These precious historical relics will disappear soon without effective protection. In this paper, the data on humidity, wind and temperature have been analyzed statistically on the basis of surveys of current status of Helankou rock paintings. Subsequently, Xray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were undertaken on rock samples to investigate their components and microstructure. In addition, freezethaw and wind tunnel experiments were done to study the weathering mechanism. The results show that the rock is composed mainly of feldspar greywacke, and that the key weathering factors are humidity, temperature, wind and sand erosion. The research would provide a theoretical basis for the understanding of the mechanism of rock weathering and actions to be taken for their protection.

Abstract:Much preliminary research has shown that the main destructive modes of rainfall on a single building of the Ming Great Wall in the Yuyang district include water erosion and gravitational erosion. The main factors affecting the single building include the characteristics of rainfall, the shape of site and the properties of the site soil. To further study the destructive modes and the function of the main factors at this kind of sites, experiments were conducted by using a scale model of single building of Ming Great Wall and interior simulated rainfall conditions based. These experiments show that the destructive rainfall modes on site models are consistent with the results of preliminary investigations. The main modes of water erosion include gully erosion, sheet erosion; the fluvial process, impact erosion and gravitational erosion included collapse and landslide. Commonly, in an A style rainstorm, all of these water erosion modes could occur, though gravitational erosion occur relatively less. In a B style rainstorm, both sheet erosion and gravitational erosion occurred primarily.

Abstract:Many whiskery white crystals and amorphous white patterns have appeared on surfaces at the Lidu winebrewing workshop site. Soil within the region of whiskery white crystals is severe loosened, but there is no obviously loosened earth within the region of amorphous white patterns. According to xray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the whiskery white crystals are basically magnesium sulphate hydrate, and amorphous white ones are mainly calcium sulphate hydrate. A massive repeated change in volume between hydrated and dehydrated magnesium sulphate dehydrationis the major cause of soil decay. Soluble salt analysis results indicate that the high salinity of the site is due to the alcohol making process. The research provides information helpful for future conservation.

Abstract:The damage caused by the salt weathering is one of the biggest problems at soil ruins. Understanding the rules of soluble salt content and concentration in soils can provide theoretical and technical support for soil site conservation. Soil columns were prepared in plexiglass containers having EM50 detectors to study the moisture content and conductivity of the soil column longitudinally at different depths. The results were used to understand the type and migration of various salts in the soil column. It was found that the lower the moisture content, the greater the conductivity. Ion chromatography showed that Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl- and SO2-₄ contents all change together with salinity at various depths. This study provides a theoretical reference for the soil ruins management.

Abstract:Since interior cracks are the most important factor imperiling stone sculptures, it is necessary to understand the development of cracks inside such objects to make a conservation plan of action. Ultrasonic CT is a newly developed technique for assessing the weathering condition of stone. This article discusses the application of the ultrasonic CT scanning technique on weathering to assess the condition of stone sculptures at the Qianling Mausoleum. Limestone test sample blocks was prepared in the lab. Two round blocks with diameters of 50cm and two rectangular samples with side lengths of 50cm were made with 5cm diameter round holes and 5cm×15cm square holes, respectively. A ZBLU520 digital CT scan was used to identify the holes. The CT scanner was used to test the interior cracks of Qianling Mausoleum sculptures and the results were compared with endoscopy results. The results by CT scan is proved to be accurate.

Abstract:A threedimensional cultural relics display system based on OpenGL has been designed and implemented for the Dazu Thousandhand Bodhisattva Rock Carvings. Model browsing, interactive measurement, search queries and other functions aimed mainly at accessing mass multisource data such as dimensions, engineering charts, virtual restoration models and related information required for cultural relics protection repair projects were implemented. This was accomplished by the application of multiresolution model construction, model simplification, track ball rotation and other key technologies. The system works well and not only meets requirements needed for projects aimed at repairing and protecting of the cultural relic, but also provides a detailed understanding of cultural relics' situation for researchers and visitors.

Abstract:At present, most of the research work of ancient pottery protection is related to the selection and evaluation of consolidation materials. Research on the protection mechanism, especially in the field of salt weathering, is very limited. In this paper, TEOS, Paraloid B72 and WD10 were selected to be used for consolidation and mitigation of salt efflorescence on the simulated ancient Qin terracotta samples. The morphologies of salt crystals on surface of untreated and treated terracotta samples were investigated; the related salt crystallization mechanism is discussed in a preliminary way. Water absorption, color change, compressive strength and salt artificial ageing tests were conducted on the simulated terracotta samples after treatment with these materials. The results show that the terracotta samples treated with TEOS gain better compressive strength, but that TEOS had no positive effect on mitigating salt efflorescence; WD10 greatly reduced water absorption and is able to mitigate salt crystallization damage; Paraloid B72 deepened the treated terracotta sample color and enhanced salt efflorescence. It show that surface modifications produce different types of salt efflorescence, which relates to the hydrophobicity and permeability generated from protective material. The harmful effect of Paraloid B72 is also captured attention.

Abstract:In the process of rust removal, the harmful rust and other impurities on bronze need to be removed,but the original appearance of the bronze ware should be preserved. So the degree of rust removal needs to be well controlled. In this study a weightloss method was applied to assess the intensity of rust removal, as well as different methods and rust removal solutions for cleaning copper coins. The results show that the copper coins lose weight clearly both by physical and chemical rust removal methods. For chemical rust removal, 5% glacial acetic acid has a good effect. The sheet copper pieces are protected by solutions of the corrosion inhibitor, benzotriazole (BTA), of different concentrations in different kinds of solvents. According to Tafel curve analysis, the corrosion inhibitor solution, 1.5% BTA+2%H₂O₂, has a good corrosion inhibiting effect on the sheet copper pieces. The result was confirmed in the salt fog corrosion apparatus.

Abstract:Five coins from the collection of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum in Yunnan Province, ShangriLa Diqing county,were analyzed by metallurgical microscopy observations and scanning electron microscopy. The results suggest that these five coins could be categorized into two groups:Copper and AgCu alloy. Copper coins have a copper content up to 99%, and can be considered as pure copper products; the AgCu alloy coins have similar composition as those at the same period. The five coins were produced by mechanical stamping, coinciding with the technological developments of the time. The result is useful for research on the manufacturing technique of coins in the Tibetan area.

Abstract:Traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy scroll relics on either paper or silk are fragile. Cracking is the most common and wide spread type of damage. Severe cases of cracking can cause fatal damage to these cultural relics. In this paper, various causes are analyzed of cracking in calligraphy and painting. Then various methods are described for repairing cracks and improvements in the mounting process that can effectively reduce or avoid cracking. In this way, calligraphic and painting heritage can be passed on.

Abstract:Ancient calligraphic and painting relics are treasures of ancient Chinese art. “Ink Bamboo and Stone by” Hong Fan, which is in the collection of the Suzhou Museum, was created with concise strokes and great skill. The painting is considered to have very high value and has been designated a class III object. However, it has suffered from mildew, cracking and exposure to acids, making it unsuitable for exhibition. Guided by the principle“repair the old as old” I made detailed plans for mending, cleaning the painting, removing the mounting, remedying pieces, consolidating using alum and glue and completing the colors. The “Ink Bamboo and Stone” painting received timely repair and effective protection after a conservation campaign lasting half an year.

Abstract:The characteristics and connotations of surveys designed to protect objects of architectural heritage are discussed. Based on actual cases, four basic characteristics of architectural heritage protection needs are identified. The first is the completeness and accuracy of the survey, as well as the authenticity of architectural heritage; second, analysis of the mechanism, damage and numerical simulation to verify the cause of the damage; third, study of the seismic performance of cultural relics; and fourth, the minimal intervention to get the real situation is emphasized.The importance and necessity of establishing a cultural system for disaster prevention and reduction are demonstrated,and the inevitable relations between the system of disaster prevention and reduction and the future direction of development of survey and design of architectural heritage are pointed out with longterm development as the technical support under the system.

Abstract:Surveying and mapping of cultural relics has been integrated with archaeology, field investigation and cultural relics protection planning. The field has evolved from simple surveying, mapping, documentation and study to be able to provide comprehensive spatial information technology, to support protection planning, and to provide comprehensive pictures of basic information about cultural heritage regions. Surveying and mapping technology has been widely used for the preparation of the Silk Road (Xinjiang region) World Cultural Heritage Declaration. This technology provides strong support for the declaration and development of cultural heritage protection. It also represents an example of future trends and directions of development.