Author(s)

A. Miltiadou-Fezans1 E. Papakonstantinou, K. Zambas, A. Panou & K. Frantzikinaki

Abstract

The column drums of the Opisthodomos of the Parthenon featured a multitude of very fine cracks, due to the great fire of the 3rd century A.D. and the explosion of the building in 1687. Instead of dismantling the columns, the in situ structural restoration by hydraulic grouts injections was decided, as this would involve the least intervention to the monument. The objective of this intervention was to fill in the best possible way the very fine cracks, while maintaining the structural independence of the column drums, thus preserving the existing structural system of the columns. In this paper, the methodology of the design, the most important results of the comparative parametric studies for the selection of the optimum compositions, the basic principles of in situ production and application, the quality control of the injections and the extent of crack filling, will be presented and commented upon. Keywords: hydraulic grouts, injectability, structural restoration, architectural members, fine cracks, bonding, microstructure, durability, pozzolan, white cement.

Keywords

hydraulic grouts, injectability, structural restoration, architectural members, fine cracks, bonding, microstructure, durability, pozzolan, white cement.