Reburial research: a conceptual design for field testing for the reburial of wall plasters and mosaic pavements

Abstract

A reburial design concept for field testing for the in situ preservation of some of the most vulnerable of architectural substrates commonly found on archaeological sites is described. These substrates are earthen- and lime-based plasters, including those with painted and relief decoration, and mosaic pavements. A methodology is proposed for the evaluation of the performance of a selection of fill materials, intervention layers and moisture buffering layers, in on-ground simulated reburials. The guiding principles on which the design is based are that a stable, low-moisture environment provides optimal preservation for these substrate categories and that giving careful attention to the interface between the reburial fill and the substrate is of paramount importance. Two design models are described within the context of the reburial conditions required by these substrates and with a brief description of the reburial materials proposed for use. Integral to the test design is a comprehensive and systematic methodology for evaluation of the condition of the substrates before burial and after excavation at intervals of three, six and twelve years, and proven instrumental monitoring of thermal and hygral parameters throughout the testing period.