Field Testing

Field Testing is conducted when certain materials or procedures are best done at the building site. A few types of field testing include:

Cleaning Tests
BCA conducts on-site testing of various cleaning materials and application methods to ensure the best cleaning results without damaging the building materials.
Related Project: Union Station

Consolidant Tests
Consolidants can sometimes be used to strengthen deteriorated or fragile building materials by increasing the intergranular bond strength of the material. BCA tests samples of consolidated building materials to determine the efficacy of this treatment method. Testing methods include depth of penetration, absorption, water vapor permeability, porosimetry, and color change.
Related Project: Toledo Art Museum

Patching Tests
Patching compounds are often used on damaged or deteriorated masonry materials to fill areas of loss. BCA's lab is equipped to develop and test potential patching compounds to establish compatibility between the substrate and the patching material.
Related Project: Ca d'Zan