Discussion on the environmental adaptability of weather-resistant measures for earthen sites in China

Abstract

AbstractEarthen sites are important remains of past human societies. Weather-resistant measures comprise a major part of conservation efforts for earthen sites. Marked advancements in weather-resistant techniques have been made in recent years. Earthen sites are characterised by large numbers, large scales, various types, complex compositions, and diverse existing environments. Weather-resistant measures differ significantly in their environmental adaptability. The environmental adaptability of weather-resistant measures severely restricts further development and popularisation of weather-resistant technology at earthen sites. Based on the environmental and weathering characteristics of existing earthen sites in China, the consolidation and failure mechanisms of several weather-resistant measures (penetrating consolidation, sacrificial layers, soft capping, protective structures, and backfilling protection) were examined. The potential areas to increase the success of the different weather-resistant measures were obtained combined with the characteristics of various environmental boundaries.