Characterization of lime plaster of Ipoh Royal Club for conservation purpose / Farah Reeza Abdul Razak and Siti Norlizaiha Harun

This study addresses the defects and performance of lime mortar and plaster due to dampness which is one of the
most severe occurrences that leads heritage building to decay and deteriorate. Acting as main component of
building’s historic fabric, lime mortar and plaster are significantly affected by environmental factors and thus
demand further proper conservation and repair works. The lack of understanding on the evolution of the material
characteristics and wrong decision making on the new composition of lime has further resulted in the recurrence
of decay and deterioration of the material. The purpose of this study intends to investigate andidentify the lead
source of dampness in the walls ofthis heritage building in Ipoh. The detail study sought to determine and analyse
scientifically theoriginalmortar and plaster characteristics in terms of their moisture content, strength and composition which is affected by dampness. The knowledge of the decay progressions and its contributing elements with the studied characteristics of the material will allow a better understanding on the usage of this materialas well as proper training to interpret clues on techniques in order to succeed in future conservation works.