Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (17.2005(2007))

MAREA

EGYPT

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

The first stage of the work required
temporary wood shoring to be installed to
support the random-block wall and the
stairs above to create conditions allowing for
the structural stabilization of the wall and
associated structures. A wood platform was
erected to provide access to all wall areas.
The masonry joints between the stone
blocks were cleaned and repointed for struc-
tural stability of the wall. Missing sections of
the wall were restored with limestone blocks
to support still further the wall above.
For the same purpose, a reinforced
concrete beam was installed in place of the
sand-and-clay infill above the wall. It was
supposed to brace the wall, relieve the kiln
walls at the stairs area, and create adequate
substructure for future reconstructions, as
well as to allow for exploration of the kiln
bottom during the season of 2006 [Fig. 1,
bottom}.
Guidelines and procedures for removal
of the temporary shoring were established,
for the work to be completed under the
supervision of the Egyptian conservator.
Miscellaneous conservation work in-
cluded replacement of the mortar joints in
the pastophory walls, and replacement of
some of the cement patches on the apse
stairs.
Conservation guidelines for additional
work in the apse/kiln area and selected
masonry sections of the Basilica for the
2005 season were established and include:
1. Reinforcing of the brick kiln grate edge
to prevent further deterioration:

a. Testing of mortar joint replacement:
cleaning of approx. 0.60 m of the kiln
edge, using brushes, water cleaning
method, and non-destructive removal of
deteriorated mortar joints. Installation
of new mortar joints with the mortar
matching original in color and hardness,
one being mortar for fired brick, to
provide structural support (1 part white
Portland cement, 1 part hydrated lime,
6 parts sand, by volume), and the other
non-structural mortar for joint replace-
ment (1 part hydrated lime, 3 parts
sand).
b. Based on approved test, replacement of
remaining mortar joints along entire
kiln grille edge.
2. Testing of consolidation of the perimeter
(outer) wall of the kiln (dried mud brick)
with Primal product, as per manufac-
turer's recommendations and directions
of the Conservator. Test approximately
one meter wall, both sides and top edge.
3. Testing of consolidation and repairs of the
stucco on apse walls: using an approved
consolidator as Primal, as per manufac-
turer's recommendations and directions
of the Conservator. Protecting of the
edges of the stucco with mortar.
4. Removal of "gray" mortar joints (emer-
gency repairs during the season of 2004)
and replacement with mortar formula to
match original in appearance and hard-
ness (see item 1-a above).
5. Installation of additional shoring in the
vaulted crypt inside the apse.

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