Earth materials: characterization and traditional/innovative techniques of conservation

As part of the bilateral projects between the National Research Council (CNR) and the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage (CACH), the research project “Assessment of innovative methods for the conservation of earthen surface” was financed for the period 2016 -2018. The research undertaken by the two teams aimed to promote a better knowledge of the earthen architecture in China and Italy, exchange and sharing of experiences about methods, tools, protocols and best practices for the conservation of earthen materials. This fragile architecture, due to the poor durability of earthen materials against atmospheric agents, is in a situation of great risk considering also the problem of climate change. This book examines the historical use of this material for architecture, the different types of earthen construction in Italy and in China, the conservation techniques used in the respective countries and the researches that are being carried out to improve these interventions. New opportunities that the earthen architecture can have in future in the two countries are illustrated.