Investigation and Removal Method of Efflorescence Phenomenon of Traditional Bricks - Focusing on the Efflorescence of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon -

전(塼)의 백화현상 규명 및 제거방안 연구 - 수원화성 백화현상을 중심으로 -

This study progressed an investigation on the cause of the efflorescence phenomenon of bricks in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage by using diverse scientific analyses. The samples were taken in Hwaseong and analyzed using XRD and SEM-EDS for the material identification of efflorescence. We observed under a polarizing microscope and measured absorption factors for the basic investigation for traditional bricks. As a result of material identification, soluble salt($Na_2SO_4$, $KNO_3$) and insoluble salt($CaCO_3$) were detected. There was no big difference between original bricks and repaired bricks under the polarizing microscope. However, in terms of the water absorption rate, bricks which were used for repair nowadays showed low water absorption rate(1%). In conclusion, soluble salt and insoluble salt appeared due to an effect of an air pollution and joint mortar. Soluble salt was removed in the rainy season, but insoluble salt was not removed. As a result of the efficiency and safety tests for chemicals removing efflorescence, chemical E is likely to be the suitable chemicals for the efflorescence phenomenon of traditional bricks in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. In the future, consideration whether the use of lime is available or not should be studied through comprehensive researches including repair work, construction work and the environment factor with lime. Also, physical, chemical identifications of repairing bricks will be required.