Overview of the Pathology, Repair and Strengthening of Adobe Structures

Adobe construction is considered to be an important feature of the international architectural heritage. To achieve the effective preservation of culturally significant adobe structures, the factors that cause their deterioration should be recorded and understood and the result of potential restoration interventions should be evaluated. This study reviews the pathology of adobe structures and the various restoration methods currently in use. Focus is given on the main agents of adobe deterioration and commonly encountered decay mechanisms. The applicability and efficiency of several repair and strengthening techniques currently used in practice or proposed by academic researchers is critically discussed and the gaps that occur in the field of earthen masonry retrofitting are highlighted. An extensive list of references, which reflects the international knowledge and experience on the topic, is also provided. ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER] Copyright of International Journal of Architectural Heritage: Conservation, Analysis & Restoration is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) 7 2 165 188