Methodology

To achieve the R&I action objectives, the SCORE project is organised in 5 work packages

WP1 Project management and coordination

WP2 Studies and characterisation of buildings and materials

WP3 Design of Eco-efficient conservation materials

WP4 Simulation and modelling

WP5 Training & knowledge-sharing

Note that WP5 is dedicated to training different audiences as well as dissemination and communication actions, and WP1 is dedicated to project management, coordination and technological transfer.

SCORE implements a designed bespoke methodology which consists in working through “implementation loops” with several steps, as detailed below, and is to be applied to selected case studies

Step 1 . Bibliographic review, documentary and “in-situ” study of sites: A deep knowledge of construction typologies, materials and techniques is the base of our study. The role of archaeologists, historians and architecture historians is fundamental in this kind of project. Different research techniques will be employed and all available sources will be consulted. BCH site valorisation programmes will be proposed. A benchmark of existing sustainable restoration and rehabilitation studies will be done. WP2

Step 2. Laboratory and “in-situ” studies will be performed to characterize precisely ancient materials, their conservation degree, composition and physical properties. WP2

Step 3. New materials design. WP3 studies will be the basis for the design of new sustainable materials: mortars and renders, bricks, consolidants, water repellents, biocides, etc.

Step 4.Durability tests in laboratory and “in-situ”. These studies will help to determine the long-term behaviour of ancient and new materials in different environmental conditions. Based on the results obtained, formulations may be reviewed. WP3 (back to Step 3)

Step 5. Environmental performance and eco-friendly characteristics of materials and conservation methods. Life Cycle Assessment methodology will be used. The results for the different environmental indicators – CO2 emission, climate change, water consumption, land use, ecotoxicity, etc. – will be used to review the proposed formulations. WP4 (back to step 3)

Step 6. Durability test results will be used to establish new dose-response functions. These functions will quantify the effect of continuous climate changes (temperature, relative humidity, etc.) but also of extreme events (dry periods, floods, storms, etc.) on BCH conservation. WP4

Step 7. Past climate data and simulations of climate models for future periods will allow us to know future climate conditions and their differences with past ones. Comparisons between different studied areas (Latin America, North and South of Europe) will help to better understand past and future behaviour of BCH materials. WP4

Step 8. Past, current and future material weathering will be determined using dose-response functions and climate model “predictions”. Formulations will be approved or redesigned based on the results obtained. WP4 (back to step 3)

Step 9. Validation of new materials and methods. If the product fulfils all the required conditions – compatible with real case materials, eco-friendly and durable in present and future conditions – it can be applied in real case restoration campaigns. Validation criteria will be predefined with respect to traditional materials, i.e.: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, reducing water consumption by 20%, at least same durability and compatibility, reversible, aesthetic aspects. WP3