Cercle des Partenaires du Patrimoine – Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques (CPP-LRMH), FR

About
The Historical Monuments Research Laboratory (LRMH) is a national public service linked to the Architecture and Heritage department (Ministry of Culture and Communication). The LRMH activities are devoted to studies and research on conservation of buildings, artefacts and objects which are listed as “Historical Monuments”. It works in relationship with architects, curators and conservators within the frame of the preliminary studies, restoration work or scientific surveys. It is composed of 38 permanent people (geologists, chemists, microbiologists, materials engineers…).
Its research fields are the main building materials of the cultural heritage (stone, stained glass, mural paintings, rock paintings, polychromes on wood and stone, metal, concrete, textiles, wood), the causes and mechanisms of degradation, the treatments applied to deteriorated monuments and artworks, and the environmental indoor and outdoor conservation conditions.
Several studies devoted to the impact of the environment on materials are performed by the Cercle des Partenaires du Patrimoine (CPP) which is a non-profit making organization linked to the LRMH, and located in the same premises.

Relevant experience and role
The scientific equipment of the laboratory allows numerous analyses:
– observation of artefacts and degradation phenomena by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope;
– chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, infra-red spectrometry, chromatography (HPLC, GCMS, and Ion chromatography), SEM-EDS, X-rays diffraction, Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy;
– mechanical, optical and petrophysical measurements (dynamometer, colorimetry, Hg intrusion porosimetry, capillarity measurements);
– artificial weathering of materials and chemicals for restoration;
– microbiological analyses;
– in situ diagnosis methods: environmental measurements (temperature, RH…), ultrasonic measurements, rebars location, potential and Rp measurements;
– data acquisition and remote processing for environmental data.

In CHARISMA CPP-LRMH is mainly involved in coordination activities, such as those related to the development of best practices and protocols and to oriented-training on advance instrumentation and methodologies.

Website address:

www.lrmh.fr

Team Leader

Name: Dr. Vincent Detalle Head of Mural Painting Group
Address: Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques 29, rue de Paris 77420 Champs-sur-Marne, FR
E-mail: [email protected]