Analysis and Consolidation of the Earth Structures

Until its discovery in the 1970s, the terracotta army was imbedded in humid soil. Organic materials and earth structures were hence saturated with water, but well preserved and stable in a humid environment. With the construction of the museum the excavation site was roofed, strongly impacting the water content of the soil. Shrinkage, cracks and drying out of organic remains have occurred as a result. The sensitive polychromy of the terracotta warriors sustains irreversible damages as soon as the relative humidity of the soil air drops below 92 %.

In the years 1999 and 2000, preliminary investigations were carried out to measure the drying process and to simulate the kinetics. Since 2008, this approach had been improved by model calculations and measurements on site. At the same time suitable humidification methods had been developed and tested.
The aims of the project also included the improvement of the formely used monitoring systems and the preparation of a multidimensional danger map for the entire museum pit no. 2.

 

Dr. Rupert Utz (ProDenkmal GmbH), (1999-2001; 2008-2013)
www.prodenkmal.de

Dr. Dipl. Restauratorin Catharina Blänsdorf (2008-2009)