Methods

<bibimport /> Author:Hans-Jürgen Schwarz

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Introduction

To assess a salt contamination and to take appropriate measures, intensive investigations are necessary. This includes not only studies to determine which salt occurs or in what quantity it is present. Essential to enlighten a salt damage is also the determination of moisture content and the precise knowledge of the climatic environment, which can be obtained through long-term climate measurements.

Here all those methods to achieve the above goals are treated, but there are also methods described to determine the basic physicochemical relationships with respect to the action of the salts and to quantify the findings. Experimental methods that help elucidate mechanisms of damage are explained. Further this chapter deals with monitoring procedures to verify the relevance and success of measures.

In addition to the quantitative/qualitative methods also exploratory research methods are explained and evaluated, allowing the practitioner on site a first orientation and leads to further investigation steps.

Sampling and documentation will be treated because poorly documented and described specimens (Metadata) are virtually worthless and a sample should always be suitable to answer the question. The sample must be representative, which should not be underestimated and is a difficult task that requires careful planning.

The chapters are:

• Exploratory Investigations
• Analysis of Salts
• Climatic measurements
• Moisture
• Monitoring
• Experimental Methods
• Documentation-Sampling