Abstract:In the‘Specifications for Seismic Protection of Museum Objects’(WW/T 00692015), a design method and specific measures for wholesystem seismic protection safety, including the safety of buildings, showcases and collections is proposed based on the seismic protection safety of museum objects. In this article, several key technical issues related to the preservation of museum objects are investigated, including seismic protection methods, applicative scope, and an estimate of the safety of showcases and relics. First, the wholesystem (seismic waves+ buildings+ showcases+ relics) seismic protection design idea is described. Secondly, a safety analysis study of freestanding showcases and relics under earthquake conditions is carried out. Thirdly, the accuracy and reliability of the theory is demonstrated by comparison with research result from the Getty Museum. It is concluded that seismic protection safety of the relics is connected with ratio of width to height, the contact surface friction coefficient and the vertical peak acceleration. The introduction of antislip and antioverturning safety measures guarantees adequate safety of the relics.

Abstract:The Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Angkor Wat Temple, was constructed on the top of the Pey Tadimountain as a monastic hermitage. It was a holy place and later became not only a sanctuary, but also a pilgrimage destination. The temple of Preah Vihear is the most spectacular of the stone temples built during the sixcenturylong Khmer Empire. For over a thousand years, the temple suffered from various natural environmental and manmade damages. The site has faced serious problems, including deformation. Some parts of the temple have already collapsed and other parts are tilted and could collapse at any time. A survey report was prepared that includes data on the natural topographical environment and the state of preservation. The mechanism of deformation of the building structures was analyzed. Finally, proposals for their conservation and restoration were proposed. This study is valuable as a plan of action for the preservation of the Preah Vihear Temple.

Abstract:Sintered clay bricks are among the most important masonry materials use in ancient Chinese architecture. However there are still no nondestructive test methods to characterize bricks’ mechanical and physical properties. Nondestructive ultrasonic test might be suitable since the old bricks will not be damaged during testing. Factors such as test bed, surface status and moisture content of the brick are considered in the test. It was found that ultrasonic velocity of a brick is associated with its mechanical strength by testing bricks from southern Shanxi and from an ancient building in Hong Kong. The ultrasonic testing results can determine the level of deterioration of similar types of bricks. This method also preserves the integrity of ancient brick, does not damage the ancient building materials. The test instrument is portable and thus can be widely used for the investigation of building defects and quality monitoring.

Abstract:Rock cracking is the most serious disease faced by the Huashan rock paintings, causing devastating damage to the paintings. In order to develop effective grouting reinforcement measures based on analysis of the causes and factors influencing rock cracking and field surveys, astatistical analysis was done. The results show that 1) the rock painting area has 418 cracks. The rock cracks are mostly (69%)due to weathering; 2) the thickness of structural cracksis greater than weathering cracks; carbonate, calcium and mud common filling ratio of structural cracking rock is 78%, higher than the weathering cracking rock 52%; 3) the apertures of tectonic fissures and weathering fissures are smaller than 6mm; when the opening is greater than 6mm, the cracking body will be stripped off the block; 4) the I and II levels of the danger due to weathering cracks is 57% and 22%, respectively, less than the 64% and 27% due to structural cracking, but weathering is more developed in the rock art area;the paintings are prone to cracking and falling; 5) because the structural cracks are thick and have good connectivity; they present a very high level of danger.The weathering cracking rocks are thinner, and have low cracking connectivity, so they have lower level of danger.

Abstract:The murals and statues of the Mogao Grottoes are unique and fragile. The dry environment is one of the key factors guaranteeing the preservation of the site over a long time. Rainfall can cause a lot of damage. Based on 25 years of meteorological monitoring data, it is found that the average annual precipitation at the Mogao Grottoes is 39 mm, most being atmospheric rainfall. The precipitation was not evenly distributed, May to August were the periods that received the most rain.For the most part, there were slight and small amounts of rain, counting for 76% of the total rainfall. The heavy rains and storms accounted only 1.5% of the total, but they resulted in regional floods. A rainfall simulation experiment was done. The experiments show that when the average rainfall intensity is 0.75 mm/min and lasts for 160 minutes, the rainfall wetting front reaches a depth of 80 cm and then maintained and equilibrium. However, at adepth of 2m to 3m, the level of water saturation can increase to about 60%. This high saturation can drive the soluble salts enrich on the base layer of murals, causing damages to the wall paintings. The Gobi runoff coefficient in the roof of Mogao grottoes is 0.016; It is inferred that the runoff capacity is very low. There would not be a regional flood if only the Mogao Grottoes area had a storm. Flooding is mainly caused by a confluence of rainfall in the Gobi area around Mogao Grottoes and in the Yema mountain region.

Abstract:A series of tests were carried out to record the mechanical characteristics of the plaster ground of wallpaintings in the Mogao Grottoes. The tests were carried out on plaster ground test specimens. The parameters tested include grain density, sound velocity measurement, uniaxial compression, Brazilian tensile strength and direct shear strength. Based on the test results, mechanical characteristics such as density, Pwave velocity, Swave velocity, dynamic Poisson radio, compressive strength, elastic modulus, tensile strength, cohesive strength and internal friction angle were obtained. This information should be beneficial to the study of conservation and restoration of wallpaintings in the Mogao Grottoes.

Abstract:In an investigation of the microbial community on the Ming Dynasty Wall at Nanjing, microorganisms were cultivated from the surfaces of city walls at Zhonghuamen, Xuanwu Lake and Pipa Lake city and analyzed by electron microscopy. It is found that lichens, mushrooms, actinomycetes, filamentous fungi, cyanobacteria, epithelic diatoms and Chlorococcum are present ubiquitously on the city wall. On bricks with no lichens and mosses, It is found epithelic diatoms (Achnanthes lauenburgiana Hustedt and Pinnularia borealis Ehrenberg), which coexist with filamentous fungi. Further study in an experiment of cocultivation cultured algae and brick powder demonstrated their weathering effect on the wall brick. This research not only suggested the bioweathering effect of the epithelic diatoms on silicate stones in a terrestrial epilithic environment, but also provided the oretical support for efforts to prevent the corrosive effect of algae on the Ming Dynasty wall.

Abstract:Many of the best ancient wooden architectural structures are located in Beijing. These structures have suffered for a long time from natural and manmade damage. Some of these wooden structures face the risk of collapse. It is necessary, therefore, to make systematic measurements and surveys to accurately record the current state of preservation of these buildings and to discover possible safety issues. In this research, Yonghemen was taken as an example to illustrate inspectional and appraisal methods for similar structures. First,a survey and map of the structure was completed,then a detailed investigation and measurement of the stress and deformation states of the bearing members and the primary nodes was carried out. Several nondestructive inspection technologies were adopted during the testing. For instance, radar was used to detect the foundation. Impulse tomography and resistography were used to detect the quality of the wood. Apulsating instrument was adopted to identify the dynamic parameters adopted.Finally an evaluation of the building’s safety issues was made based on the information from the detection methods mentioned.

Abstract:One of the highrank military figures recently unearthed from the No.1 pit of the Qin Terracotta Warriors, is that known as “The General”. The researchers found that the figure faced complex issues:the painted layers had peeled of a large area of mud attachment, part of the painted layer had settled on the surrounding earth, and the earthen body layer is relatively thick and has severe cracking and deformation problems. There is urgent need for conservation. Facing all the problems, the coloring layers and experimented with paint layer reattachment on a small spot first were analyzed. After a successful test, larger pieces found on the surrounding earth were reattached and satisfactory results were achieved. The results provide a useful reference for reattachment of painted layers to relics.

Abstract:Silk crepeline is a thin and transparent silk fabric having a plain weave. It is often used in Europe and America for textile conservation, especially for fragile objects. China in recent years has witnessed the introduction of and the ever increasingly wide usage of crepeline. But the product has never been locally made in China, so the China National Silk Museum has cooperated with Zhejiang Science and Technology University to research, to develop, and to produce this fabric. This paper introduces the characteristics of the developed fabric and the ways to use it in the conservation of ancient Chinese textiles. This fabric usually covers the ancient textiles and is sewed to the objects with stitches. There are two ways of covering depending on the state of preservation of ancient textiles. One is to cover the whole object, and the other is to cover the damaged area only. And there are three methods to use the silk crepeline in layers. One is to sandwich the ancient fabric between an overlay of silk crepeline. The second is to use only one layer of silk crepeline on the top and to use a support fabric that is the similar to the ancient object. The third is to use more than one layer of crepeline in different colors as the support fabric in order to get a color close to that of the ancient textile.The use of crepeline is a very good textile conservation method.It is especially good for the treatment of objects that are too fragile to be stitched. One problem of this method is the loss of edge threads after the final cut.

Abstract:Of the many artworks of calligraphy and painting dated to the Ming and Qing dynasties in the collection of the Xiamen Overseas Chinese Museum, the calligraphic work,Verses on Dancing Cranes (in running script, satin scroll), by Hu Jing, Ming dynasty, is considered one of the precious pieces of ancient Chinese calligraphy. It is a pity that this calligraphic work has been seriously damaged by pests and moulddue to its incorrect preservation over a long period of time. The mounted part is broken and the handwriting is incomplete so that this piece of work cannot be hung for display. Thus, in order to extend the life of this artwork and to recover it to be its original appearance, we applied Chinese traditional restoration techniques to repair and protect the calligraphy following the principle of “retaining the old appearance of old art works in restoration”. The whole conservation process was carefully planned and executed, and the final result achieved is satisfying.

Abstract:In order to evaluate the effects of reinforcement of earthen archaeological sites in damp environments, onsite experiments were done to reinforce a simulated archaeological excavation unit in Hangzhou City. The wave velocity, water content, and relative horizontal displacement of a reinforced pit wall after reinforcement were measured. Then the stability of the simulated archaeological excavation unit was evaluated, expecting that of done in a quantitative, scientific way, reference information for assessment of the reinforcement effects could be obtained in other earthen archaeological sites. Experimental results show that the deeper the earth, the higher the water content on the surface of the pit wall; that the initial strength and the hardening process of soil ramming increase as the depth increases;that the strength of ramming soil increases as time goes on; that 4~5 days after reinforcement, the displacement accelerates; and that the deeper in the body, the bigger the displacement.The research results show that deformation monitoring is a useful scientific method to evaluate the stability of the reinforcement. Surface moisture and wave velocity monitoring are reasonable parameters for measuring the strength of rammed earth.

Abstract:Temperature and relative humidity are both significant indicators of the museum environment. Based on the criterion of stability and appropriateness, a new approach to evaluate museum environment is presented. By calculating the dispersion level of monitoring data away from a set point and assessing its level of distribution, the environmental quality of temperature and relative humidity in a museum environment can be determined, in addition to the longterm trends and seasonal fluctuations. The monitoring data collected in the Sichuan Museum from 12 different galleries and storage areas in 2014 were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the model, which proved to be reasonable. The method provided data for control of museum environment and design specific preservation conditions for relics in the museum.

Abstract:The Qing Dynasty Xiaobaijiao(Small White Reef) I shipwreck, which was fully excavated in 2014, is located in the sea near Yushan island, Shipu Town, Xiangshan County of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Because of its long burial period underwater, the remaining hull has suffered from various sorts of deterioration. There is an urgent need for conservation. Through comprehensive survey of the structural parts and the analysis of sample (tree species, moisture content, morphology, chemical composition, soluble salts and microorganism), It is known that most of the remaining hull is in good condition; some structural parts are severely degraded and show different types of damage. The analysis and evaluation work described here provides abasis for subsequent conservation treatments.

Abstract:Yungang Grottoes, a world cultural heritage site,have been subjected to severe degradation due to natural and human factors over the years. Since January 2010, a site investigation on damage at the Yungang Grottoes has been carried out by the laboratory of Cultural Relics Conservation Materials of Zhejiang University, together with the Cultural Relics Protection Center in Xi’an and the Cultural Research Institute of Yungang Grottoes. The classification of and statistics on the damage,based on the categories and levels of damage,are presented.This report is part of the research done under the state science and technology support program and describes the need for damage prevention and restoration work of stone relics. The paper describes five main categories of damage:surface pollution and discoloration, surface weathering, surface biodegradation, preservation remains and water spots. Furthermore, the damage causes could be classified into 12 categories:dust pollution, smoked crusts, yellow spots, graffiti, grease, etc. The total polluted area is 7059.66m². the causes of the damage and the degree of the damage were analyzed. This research provides scientific data to guide future cleaning and conservation of the Yungang Grottoes. Further research topics, such as how to evaluate the level of damage, whether pollutants should be removed and how best to preserve the site with “minimal effort”.

Abstract:There are numerous unbound manuscripts of LU Xun collected in the National Library of China. Beginning in 2013, research was carried out in order to evaluate the performance of preservation bags used to store the manuscripts. Simulation tests were used to determine the state of degradation of handmade and printing paper previously stored in certain bags.Performance of the preservation bags made from different materials could be evaluated by measurements of the physical properties of the paper. All sulfite process paper bags and other similar varieties are not good for the preservation of the manuscripts. Appropriate acidfree paper preservation bags should be used for this purpose.

Abstract:Organic residue analysis can provide direct evidence for the function of excavated vessels. “Yan” is one of the important utensils in ancient times. Its function was widely recorded, although residue analysis was rare. In this paper, the white grease residue found in the bronze vessel “Fu” (the lower part of the detachable “Yan”) from Xigou Village, Jiuquan, Gansu Province, was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, fatty acid analysis and compoundspecific stable carbon isotope analysis to reveal the origin of the residue, as well as the function of the vessel. The results show that the white grease is probably ruminant adipose fat, which indicated that the residue was dripped oil caused by steaming beef or mutton in the “Zeng”. This study provides an evidence for the assembly of “Zengfu” as a steamer for meat processing, and also sugges a communication and integration in dietary culture between Han and northern nomadic people of the Wei and Jin dynasties, given that the tomb possesses a more nomadic style.

Abstract:Tianyige was among China’s first major historical and cultural ancient books sites to be protected at the national level. It is famous for its collection of ancient Ming Dynasty books. These ancient books are mostly bag packed. However, some of the books are butterfly packed, line packed, rough packed and fold packed. Tianyige is also one of the first national repair centers for ancient books. To make full use of the collection, the center has focused on the conservation of Ming Dynasty books and established a method for repair of this kind of book. Based on an evaluation book damage and paper testing results, a plan was proposed and executed for each damaged book.

Abstract:In order to gain a deeper understanding of ancient lacquer and to illustrate systematic scientific research approaches. This article summarizes the latest lacquer film analytical results in recent years from five perspectives:lacquer film component structure analysis, lacquering craftwork, analysis of additives, the mechanisms of lacquer film hardening and film deterioration. The methods of identification of various film structures and components were discussed. Challenges and popular topics were highlighted. It has been suggested that several methods of instrumental analysis can be combined to get useful information about the identity of film components. In future, the research will focus on popular topics but in greater depth, allowing for some challenging problems to be solved. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectral database should be established and shared with the community. Research on the spread and dissemination of lacquer techniques should be continued. Existing tradition allacquer workshops should be pay attentioned. Multidisciplinary research should be encouraged. Mature research system on lacquer films should be established.