Experimental Study on Conservation and Preservation for Historical Architecture Using Plaster Finishing Material

A key finding from this study is that the mechanical strength of ceilings in historical architectures, such as Himeji Castleis influenced by plaster density and carbonation conditions when natural plant fibers are incorporated. The research investigated how varying mix proportions of water, plaster, sand, and plant fiber affect the fundamental properties of plaster finishing materials (Shikkui), which are commonly used in Japanese historical structures. By conducting detailed experiments on plaster specimens, the study revealed that optimizing the use ratio of these materials can enhance durability while preserving authenticity. This insight is critical for conservation efforts, particularly in harsh environments or disaster-prone areas where such structures face significant risks.

OKA, K., TAMURA, M., MARUYAMA, H., YOKOSHIMA, J., GOTO, O.,. (2016). Experimental Study on Conservation and Preservation for Historical Architecture Using Plaster Finishing Material. Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies (SCMT), 3, 1345–1354. https://doi.org/10.18552/2016/scmt4d130