Papers by Maria Bernardita M Reyes
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Manila is a historical landmark located within Intramuros, Manila. ... more The Metropolitan Cathedral of Manila is a historical landmark located within Intramuros, Manila. Fire and hurricane destroyed the first structure while earthquakes have caused the second up to the sixth structures to collapse. The seventh building was constructed in 1880 and was heavily damaged during the Second World War. The eighth building was reconstructed between 1954 and 1958 using adobe blocks from the ruined convent of Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Guadalupe, Makati. Presence of sodium dioxide in the walls was one of the factors that caused powdering and spalling of the original 1880 adobe blocks and 1950s cladding. This paper will present the restoration of the Cathedral's 55-meter high concrete belfry and northwest (front) façade by Tertex International Phils. Inc. Comparative analyses using Macroscopic Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRF) and compressive test have indicated minimal difference of elemental, material and physical composition among original 1880 adobe blocks, 1954-1958 and 2013 reconstituted adobe thus proving the compatibility of the modern cement to the existing building composition. Treatment included consolidation of loose concrete/masonry, adobe reconstitution for the disintegrated adobe cladding, and retrofitting of the belfry. Vent holes were also introduced in equal distance on areas to prevent moisture and humidity from being trapped on the interface of masonry and plaster or cladding as well as to arrest rising damp phenomenon. Chromatic alterations were addressed by mechanical cleaning while incompatible cement mortars were replaced with tested reconstituted adobe.
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Proceedings 3rd Historic Mortars Conference Glasgow, 2013
The restoration of the Calaca Church in Batangas province, Philippines, is an ideal example of a ... more The restoration of the Calaca Church in Batangas province, Philippines, is an ideal example of a successful result of collaborative work among architects, engineers, a stone specialist, and other allied professionals. The major conservation problem identified was the deterioration of adobe stones (volcanic tuff) which was used as the primary building material. Thick vegetation growing on the bell tower, detaching plaster, and structural cracks on the façade as well as dampness on one side of the bell tower had to be addressed. Some stones needed to be replaced with similar adobe. Prior to conservation and restoration treatment, tests and analyses were performed. Plants were identified by a botanist. Samples of the original adobe were studied for compatibility with the materials used: plaster, mortar and replacement stones. Procedures on how to remove plants, clean stones and slake lime for masonry work are discussed herein. Practical solutions for dampness problems by reviving perimeter wall canals, repairing roof and downspouts, waterproofing, and by introducing vent holes on the walls are explained, with photos provided for. Techniques developed by the writer, on how to approach repair of fractures using the "by-pass method" and how to deal with water infiltration on the side buttresses and pediment using the "umbrella technique" are illustrated. Methods used to replicate the wall's original texture and color are also described.
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Lumina Pandit a Continuum, 2015
Lumina Pandit a Continuum, pp. 342 - 353,
Copyright 2015,
Published by
University of Santo Tomas ... more Lumina Pandit a Continuum, pp. 342 - 353,
Copyright 2015,
Published by
University of Santo Tomas Miguel de Benavides Library and Union Bank of the Philippines,
ISBN 978-506-752-2
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Conference Presentations by Maria Bernardita M Reyes
International Conference on Stonework Heritage in Micronesia, 2007
Stone conservation of Spanish colonial structures in a tropical setting is a very challenging tas... more Stone conservation of Spanish colonial structures in a tropical setting is a very challenging task. Deterioration of many types of stone is accelerated in a hot and humid climate. Seismic activity caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions aggravates this problem. The earth movements result in cracks and fractures in the structures, which become deterioration sites for growth of vegetation or for birds and rodents to settle in. Frequent flooding makes this situation even more complex.
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8th Biennial National Convention of Church Cultural Heritage Practioners, 2013
The guidelines for the conservation of stone-built churches are simplified in 10 points. They are... more The guidelines for the conservation of stone-built churches are simplified in 10 points. They are based on actual cases in a Philippine setting. The first five points pertain to the planning phase while the second five points pertain to the implementation phase. The former includes pre-consultation with specialists, gathering of useful materials, working on budget requirements, creation of a conservation team and preparation of a conservation plan, and presentation of the plan to the different stakeholders involved in the church, directly and indirectly. The second phase pertains to a systematic approach to any conservation and restoration intervention. It covers identification of problems, causes and effects of the environment, lab tests and in-situ trials, preparation of site, materials and equipment, prioritizing necessary repair works, and, treatment of deteriorating stone and structural defects. Emphasis is given to stone treatment and summarized in five basic steps, viz., cleaning, chemical stabilization, physical reinforcement, aesthetic unity, and protection. Selected techniques, developed specifically for problems encountered in a tropical environment, are provided with diagrams and images.
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Papers by Maria Bernardita M Reyes
Copyright 2015,
Published by
University of Santo Tomas Miguel de Benavides Library and Union Bank of the Philippines,
ISBN 978-506-752-2
Conference Presentations by Maria Bernardita M Reyes
Copyright 2015,
Published by
University of Santo Tomas Miguel de Benavides Library and Union Bank of the Philippines,
ISBN 978-506-752-2