Knowledge of Conservation and Restoration

Reuse Adaptive an with Ilam in Castles Historical Five of Redesign Approach (3 Studio Design Architectural: Research Action)

Kourosh Momeni

The importance of the historical castles of Ilam province is above all because this region, as one of the government centers, was the site of the formation of prominent castles during the Sassanid period, which introduced the political and social structure of that era. Over time, a number of these monuments have lost their original function and have become abandoned, making their preservation an inevitable necessity. Adaptive reuse through appropriate change of use is an effective solution for the restoration of these valuable buildings. The main question of the research is: "How can we help preserve and restore the historical castles of Ilam with an adaptive reuse (AR) approach?" The research method is mixed and data were collected and analyzed from documentary studies and field observations. The statistical population includes ten students of the sixth semester of the Bachelor of Architecture program at Jundi- Shapur University of Technology in Dezful, and the "Architectural Design 3" workshop was chosen as the research context. The results show that the focus of the designs was on creating new spaces and the strategy of annexation was used more than installation and intervention. Also, the annexations were mainly formed in the form of two groups of space and element and the most extensive changes were in the facade materials. The final result indicates that the adaptive reuse approach not only helps to preserve and restore the historical castles of Ilam, but also, in the form of educational projects, improves students' understanding of how to integrate contemporary design with the historical and physical values of heritage buildings.

An Overview of The Materials Used In The Consolidation of Historical Bricks: Comparison Between Old and New Materials

Leyli Nemani Khiyavi

The conservation of historic bricks is considered one of the fundamental components in safeguarding architectural heritage, as brick, one of the predominant materials in Iran’s historic architecture is exposed to a wide range of complex weathering and deterioration processes. Consolidation, as one of the most important conservation interventions, is employed to enhance structural cohesion, reduce vulnerability, stabilize decay, and improve the durability of porous materials (Doehne & Price, 2011). Nevertheless, although consolidation can mitigate the effects of deterioration, it does not necessarily eliminate the root causes of decay, and when improperly applied, it may result in undesirable secondary and long-term consequences (Daniels, 2015; Kumar Ginell, 1997).

Morphological typology of the Karbandi performed in Shikanj and its application in determining authenticity and supporting restoration

Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi

Karbandi is a decorative-structural element of Iranian architecture implemented based on precise geometry that has been used in various and diverse parts of it, and one of the important parts of Karbandi is the application in the construction of the Chapireh. Iranian architects in dome houses used the chapireh to convert the square field into a circle, which has two parts: corner construction and shikanj. The aim of this research is to examine historical examples and categorize the forms of Karbandi implemented in the shikanj in line with the typology and systematic classification of historical examples. Also, the features of each of the implemented Karbandi will be examined in terms of the field and type of Karbandi in order to determine the relationship between the type of Karbandi implemented in the shikanj with the field and sides of the Karbandi. The research background shows that the Shikanj can be implemented in two ways: arched and karbandi. to achieve this goal, a classification of the form of the Karbandi in the studied Shikanj was presented. This research is a qualitative research that was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and the necessary information was obtained through library studies, objective observation, and examination of available samples. The results of the research show that the Karbandi in Shikanj can be divided into two categories from a shape perspective: large arch (including simple and with a Sosany) and small arch (including arch with Karbandi, simple Sakonj with Karbandi, and Torbe Filposh with Karbandi), each of which has its own characteristics that can be applied in fields such as half-arches. This research does not directly provide implementation instructions; but its results can help in subsequent studies and the process of recognizing authenticity in the conservation and restoration of the Karbandi implemented in Shikanj.

Chloride Ions Removal and Stabilization of Archaeological Irons: A Review of Methods, Efficiency, Limitations and Challenges

Elaheh Hajjari

The inherent instability of archaeological iron objects is due to contaminated with chloride ions from the burial environment, as well as being exposed to oxygen and high relative humidity. Therefore, the removal of chloride ions and the stabilization of active corrosion are essential steps to prevent further deterioration and to preserve these artefacts. Numerous scholars have investigated various methods for the dechlorination of archaeological irons. However, the complexity of the corrosion mechanisms, the varying condition under which artefacts were buried, the specific characteristic of each object, and the ethical principles of conservation and restoration confront conservation scientists with significant challenges. As a result, from the earliest research in this field to the present day, studies in the subjects are still ongoing. A meticulous review of the literature can lead to a better understanding of existing research findings and help identify aspects that more research is needed. The aim of this paper is to review, critique and examine each of the different chlorination methods, while also discussing their disadvantages and limitations. This review discuses different methods of chloride ions removal and stabilization of archaeological iron artefacts, including electrochemical techniques, immersion in alkaline aqueous solutions, application of subcritical fluids, hydrogen plasma, and biological treatment using bacteria. In addition, factors affecting the process before, during, and after dechlorination, as well as the specific challenges of treating large and composite objects are examined. Finally, by reviewing and comparing the studies conducted in this paper, it was found that there are still gaps in this regard, the analysis of which will ultimately lead to the application and optimization of appropriate dechlorination methods tailored to the specific characteristics of each object and its conservation conditions.

A Strategic Framework for Developing National Heritage Conservation Documents for Iranian Archaeological Excavations: A Guide for Stakeholders and Policymakers

Mehdi Razani

Archaeological sites, as sensitive areas embodying diverse cultural, historical, and scientific values require coherent policies and mechanisms for their protection. Although in recent decades the importance of conserving such sites has been highlighted in both cultural discourse and professional practice, the absence of specific, coordinated strategic documents has led to various challenges during and after excavations. This article, grounded in field experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration among specialists and practitioners, underscores the necessity of formulating a National Conservation Document for Archaeological Excavations. The primary goal of this document is to institutionalize conservation as an integral component of the archaeological excavation process an approach that begins before excavation and continues through post-excavation long-term monitoring. This paper presents a structured proposal aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for defining responsibilities, scheduling conservation actions, and promoting inter-sectoral coordination in conservation and restoration activities during excavations. The principles, objectives, and practical recommendations of the proposed document are presented in the form of eight main articles, each accompanied by relevant clauses and provisions.

Archaeometric and Conservation Study of Early Elamite Mudbricks from the Sofalin Mound, Pishva

Gholamreza Rahmani

The Sofalin Mound is located north of the city of Pishva, on natural hills formed by early Holocene deposits (alluvial sediments older than 4,000 years). Systematic and continuous excavations at the Sofalin Mound have been carried out over the past several years in seven seasons as part of broader archaeological investigations in the Varamin–Pishva Plain. Cultural materials recovered from the Sofalin Mound in the north-central Iranian Plateau have significantly enhanced our understanding of the proto-literate period, dated between 3500 and 2800 BCE, within the cultural sphere of the north-central plateau of Iran. During the sixth and seventh excavation seasons at the Sofalin site, architectural spaces were uncovered in Trench 20. These spaces were documented as featuring cobblestone floors, mudbrick platforms, and rectilinear architectural layouts. Based on ceramic assemblages (plain and painted), clay sealings, and fragmented clay tablets, occupation during different phases of the Early Elamite cultural period was identified. This research focuses on the technical and laboratory investigation of Early Elamite mudbrick architectural remains from the Sofalin Mound using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, complemented by chemical studies aimed at proposing appropriate conservation strategies. The primary objective of this study is to achieve a semi-quantitative structural characterization of mudbricks from this period in order to enhance our understanding of their mineralogical composition. Such knowledge contributes to the development of effective conservation approaches for the Sofalin Mound as well as other contemporaneous mudbrick archaeological sites.

A Systematic Method for Integrated Damages Assessment of Historic Structures: A Case Study of the Conservation of the Izadkhast Historic Bridge –Dam

Eisa Esfanjary Kenari

Historic bridges represent complex structural systems that have endured centuries of environmental exposure, functional transformation, and human intervention. Due to their structural configuration and location within dynamic riverine contexts, they are particularly vulnerable to natural forces, material decay, and incompatible repairs. Conservation doctrine has consistently emphasized that intervention must be grounded in knowledge. Documents such as the Venice Charter, the Burra Charter, the Nara Document on Authenticity, and the ICOMOS Principles for the Analysis and Restoration of Architectural Heritage stress that understanding a monument’s historical development, material composition, and structural performance is essential before any action is taken. Building on this understanding, the present study develops and applies an integrated damage diagnosis approach to the historic Bridge-Dam of Izadkhast. Although Iranian historic bridges have been widely studied, previous research has often addressed historical interpretation, qualitative assessment, and structural modeling separately. In many instances, laboratory testing and structural calculations were treated as isolated technical exercises rather than as components of conservation decision making. This separation has occasionally led to reinforcement strategies that exceed actual structural needs and conflict with principles such as minimal intervention and respect for authenticity. The principal research gap therefore lies in the absence of a coherent methodological framework that integrates historical studies, qualitative damage assessment, laboratory material testing, and quantitative structural behavior analysis into a unified and conservation oriented decision making model. The Izadkhast Bridge-Dam was selected as the case study because of its historical and structural importance. Located along the Historic route from Isfahan to Shiraz via Izadkhast, it once played a strategic role in regional communication and maintained a functional relationship with the nearby caravanserai. Built across a seasonal river prone to flooding, the structure was originally designed to serve caravan traffic. In later periods, however, the passage of automobiles and heavier transport introduced load conditions that had not been anticipated in the original architectural conception. As a result, the bridge was subjected to stresses exceeding its intended structural capacity. Despite these pressures, it remained functional for centuries. Only in recent decades have climatic variability, renewed water flow after extended drought, inappropriate restoration efforts, and insufficient river management significantly increased its vulnerability. The methodology adopted in this research consisted of six interconnected stages: (1) historical analysis and investigation of the structural evolution of the monument; (2) direct observation and qualitative assessment of the current condition; (3) qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of mortars and qualitative assessment of materials; (4) structural analysis and evaluation of the overall structural behavior; (5) safety assessment through quantitative analyses and structural testing; and (6) final judgment and data integration. In this method, Laboratory investigations were conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of mortars and bricks, and structural behavior under gravity, seismic forces, wind, and hydraulic actions was analyzed through finite element modeling using ANSYS software. The findings demonstrate that a comprehensive understanding of the monument requires the simultaneous interpretation of historical documentation, field evidence, material characteristics, and structural modeling results. Historical analysis revealed that major damage resulted from changes in function, excessive loading beyond traditional use patterns, destructive floods particularly the flood of 1956 CE. and alterations in river morphology caused by human intervention. Qualitative assessment identified inconsistencies in restoration management, incomplete conservation measures, deterioration of mortars, and neglect of riverbed maintenance as significant contributors to the bridge’s current condition. Material analyses indicated that lime mortars (cold sarooj) were intentionally employed in water exposed sections, while gypsum–lime mortars were used in arches and passageways, reflecting functional adaptation to environmental conditions. Although bricks quality was relatively low due to manufacturing and firing limitations, this characteristic forms part of the bridge’s original material system and does not in itself indicate structural weakness. Structural analyses showed that the bridge performs satisfactorily under gravitational and seismic loads. The vulnerable structural points was identified in relation to hydrodynamic flood forces and at the junction between the end piers and the natural riverbanks.
The integratetion of the obtained results indicate that most observed damages do not stem from inherent structural vulnerability, but rather from the disruption of the bridge’s historical equilibrium. Changes in functional loads, incompatible restoration materials, interruption of structural continuity, and hydromorphological alterations in the riverbed have collectively intensified deterioration. Numerical modeling confirmed that heavy structural reinforcement or radical alteration of the structural system is unnecessary. Instead, conservation efforts should focus on correcting inappropriate past restorations, locally reinforcing critical points, stabilizing and organizing the riverbed and establishing a continuous maintenance system. This study demonstrates that that quantitative structural analysis can meaningfully inform conservation decisions only when interpreted in direct connection with historical understanding and material characterization. Detached numerical assessments risk misdiagnosis and unnecessary intervention. Accordingly, the research advocates a shift from reactive, episodic restoration toward preventive and integrated management of historic bridges. Ultimately, this research proposes a transferable analytical framework for the conservation of historic bridges in Iran and comparable contexts. By integrating historical research, qualitative damage assessment, laboratory based material evaluation, structural stability assessment, and finite element analysis into a unified diagnostic process, the study provides a methodological model that supports minimal, authenticity compatible, and scientifically grounded conservation strategies, while preventing costly and irreversible interventions.