The ancient building techniques. Recipes imitation stones

Current construction techniques for preparing solid monoliths of liquid formulations be reduced to obtain concretes based on Portland (Filler - any breed different stone fraction), and gypsum binders based on organic - polymers (acrylic resins or basis).

Such products are made using the polymers. In the old days this was not organic. But the surface of such imitated. More on that below.

On the basis of this list is made almost the whole range of building designs, and finishing materials. And as it was before, when it was not invented a process for producing Portland cement by firing certain breeds, it was not polymers and there were only lime binders? But decorative walls, columns and even artificial rocks we meet.

It turns out that the methods and recipes for preparation and simulation of different types of stone was a huge amount. At the time, Europe was popular artificial stone called "Victoria". But the recipe was not found.

A couple of years ago I came across a book 1931. Brodersen GG "Directory craftsman"

. The book contains recipes and tricks of working with metal, wood, leather, fur, glass, there are recipes for glue, varnishes, lubricants, soaps, even talked about imitation gemstones. But we are interested in this article recipes artificial stones. Here are a few screenshots from there:

As you can see ways to get those artificial rocks was previously set. Who uses it now? And why did they disappear? I think Portland is cheaper because it is produced on a commercial scale. Yes, and two world wars led to the decline in craftsmanship. The transfer of knowledge and experience is interrupted quickly. And the industry has replaced the handicraft.

Some may say that this is all theory. Where examples from those years? And they are. Here is one of the most striking examples:

The damaged corner column in the Kazan cathedral at St. Petersburg.

The surface imitates granite. Let me remind you that the cathedral was built in 1801-1811 years. Portland cement was patented in England in 1824. Prior to Russia this technology will reach not soon. Only the first plant for the production of Portland cement will be launched in 1856 in the city Grozdetse

At the bottom of the same damage. It is clear that this is an artificial stone. A surface looks like granite or marble breccias

This is the place in the cathedral with chipped corners on the columns. They have patched and damage the internal structure of an artificial stone layer is not visible.

Maybe column inside the cathedral - also made of artificial stone, imitating granite? Who among restorers tested it?

***

Photos taken from public sources, with Yandex service. Pictures

Subscribe per channel, introducing it in the browser bookmarks. There is a lot of interesting information.