The Department is currently pursuing a number of research topics, both in collaboration with academic and research institutions abroad and through the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations.
On "franka" and "soll" Globigerina Limestone
The Department has, since its inception, been carrying out research, also in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry of the University of Malta, and foreign institutions, on the characterisation, properties and durability of Globigerina Limestone. This ongoing research has resulted in a number of
publications.
On Salt Inhibitors
The Department is currently carrying out research, using the crystallization inhibition properties of functionalised organic compounds to prevent and/or to control crystal growth in porous stones. These products, which are soluble in water or alcohol and non toxic, are being tested on salt-containing Globgerina Limestone, both in the laboratory and in situ.
Current M.Sc. and M.Phil. Areas of Research include:
- Characterisation of durability of building stone
- Mortars and plasters in building conservation
- Conservation of historic reinforced concrete
- Controlling stone deterioration through the use of salt inhibitors
- The use of structural timber in old buildings
- Structural strengthening of masonry arches
- Conservation of Malta’s cold war tunnels
- Evaluation of monitoring techniques at archaeological sites
- Historic landscapes
21 May 2012
http://www.um.edu.mt/ben/builtheritage/research
