Archeometra has always supported, invested and financed innovative projects dedicated to the value appreciation of Italian art and cultural heritage.
The project for the Sepulchre of Gaius Publicius Bibulus re-opens a new chapter of Archeometra in the heart of Rome, in support of the restoration and valorisation of an ancient monument.
The restoration project
Research and restoration
The surfaces of the sepulchre reveal signs of previous restoration work mainly attributable to the “modern” building that incorporated the ruins.
The brick restoration work on the rear of the facade was done in 1843 by the bricklayer Michele De Rossi, as part of renovation work to the house and the adjoining cellar.
The monument stands in desperate need of work to restore its overall appearance and make its inscriptions legible again, given its historical value and its central and highly visible location.
Weeds have taken root among the architectural ruins. The stone surfaces are extensively covered by biological growth, and their appearance marred by sulfation (black crusts) from continuous exposure to exhaust fumes due to heavy vehicular traffic and various elements. They are also fractured and cracked and the brickwork is crumbling.
Before beginning the restoration work, a large number of micro samples will be taken from the various surfaces, with the aim of acquiring information useful for identifying forms and/or products of decay and to assist with the correct formulation of the mortars to be used in the restoration.
The phases of the restoration work will be detailed in specific graphic printouts and documented with before, during, and after photographs.
Before the start of each phase, tests will be carried out on a small portion of the monument in order to assess the work to be done as part of the restoration project.
The preliminary stonework will be carried out at the same time as the securing of the loose and/or crumbling portions, which may include the use of partial coverings of rubberized fabric and shoring props.
Dirt removal will be achieved through the combined action of chemical and mechanical systems. In cases of crumbling material, impregnation with a fixative agent is envisaged.
Cracks will be filled using hydraulic mineral mortar, while splits and gaps will be sealed with lime mortar and aggregates compliant with the etched stone surface and, when necessary, the color of the fillings will be matched to that of the surrounding material. The relief engravings will be protected through the use of a suitable water-repellent product.
For the restoration of the brickwork, an initial biocide treatment is envisaged in order to kill off both the weeds and the biological growth. This will be followed by a preliminary securing of the particularly loose elements by means of the temporary use of rubberized fabric coverings and shoring props.
Cleaning will be achieved through the combined action of chemical and mechanical systems. Strengthening will be achieved using localized infiltrations of mineral mortars with adhesive and filling properties.
Filling and pointing of the exclusively mineral mortars similar to those originally used will preserve the surfaces over time. A special water-repellent product will be used to protect the facing.
The phases of the restoration work will be detailed in specific graphic printouts and documented with before, during, and after photographs.
Before the start of each phase, tests will be carried out on a small portion of the monument in order to assess the work to be done as part of the restoration project.
The preliminary stonework will be carried out at the same time as the securing of the loose and/or crumbling portions, which may include the use of partial coverings of rubberized fabric and shoring props.
Dirt removal will be achieved through the combined action of chemical and mechanical systems. In cases of crumbling material, impregnation with a fixative agent is envisaged.
Cracks will be filled using hydraulic mineral mortar, while splits and gaps will be sealed with lime mortar and aggregates compliant with the etched stone surface and, when necessary, the color of the fillings will be matched to that of the surrounding material. The relief engravings will be protected through the use of a suitable water-repellent product.
For the restoration of the brickwork, an initial biocide treatment is envisaged in order to kill off both the weeds and the biological growth. This will be followed by a preliminary securing of the particularly loose elements by means of the temporary use of rubberized fabric coverings and shoring props.
Cleaning will be achieved through the combined action of chemical and mechanical systems. Strengthening will be achieved using localized infiltrations of mineral mortars with adhesive and filling properties.
Filling and pointing of the exclusively mineral mortars similar to those originally used will preserve the surfaces over time. A special water-repellent product will be used to protect the facing.
