Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen

Kristel De Vis
This study focuses on the materials applied in constructions composed of glass blocks/bricks and dalle de verre that were executed at the end of the 19th and in the 20th century.

During that era, a dual evolution unfolded: firstly the traditional glass blower started using molds and small forms for industrial glass purposes such as architectural applications like glass blocks and bricks.  And secondly, the traditional stained glass window, consisting of glass with or without paint layers and lead cames evolved from mosaics to windows with  thick glass plates set in concrete: the so called dalle de verre.
The study starts with a confrontation of patents and written sources with the actual remaining glass constructions . Up until now patents have hitherto been studied only partially, with disregard of the technical and material information that might be of interest to the conservation-restoration process and the understanding of the degradation phenomena. 
The introduction of new materials generates new degradation phenomena as a direct consequence.  Besides the degradation of mortar or the carbonisation of concrete the most noticeable form of damage is the fracture of glass elements. The behaviour of glass elements, strongly depends on the applied production method, the glass surface condition as well as on the environmental conditions and the loading history that they have been exposed to.
In a second phase, after studying the basic degradation phenomena, the possibilities and properties of possible consolidation will be studied.   A wide variety of materials is and has been used in the conservation and restoration of stained glass. However, there is no experience in the consolidation of glass blocks that often have a more complex, and sometimes 3-dimensional fracture patterns.   
  In a third and final phase of this research, the selected adhesives will be assessed to
 extend our theoretical and practical knowledge in securing/preserving massive glass elements – with a c