A group of 20 trainees from the APSARA National Authority have been practicing mixing mortar for stone repair and strengthening as part of their training course on stone conservation skills, said the APSARA National Authority in a news release this afternoon.
The trainees, who are officials and staff of the APSARA National Authority, are part of the second generation to undergo this training, it pointed out.
According to the same source, the training course, led by conservation expert and stone conservation trainer Ms. Helen Jacobsen, is currently in its 10th stage out of 13. In this session, the participants are learning about the theory and application of mortar. They are being introduced to different types of mortar, such as wet mortar, cement mortar, Epoxy for bonding stones, and Ethyl Silicate for mixing with mortar.
After learning the theory, the participants are practicing directly with damaged stones at the Banteay Samre Temple. They are learning how to treat decay and cracks, as well as techniques
for waterproofing and using mortar in different situations.
Through this hands-on experience, the trainees are gaining a deeper understanding of the materials and techniques involved in stone conservation. They are developing specific skills in producing mortar for repairing and reinforcing stones.
The training course on stone conservation skills in the Angkor area is a collaboration between the APSARA National Authority and the GIZ of Germany. It began in mid-2022 and aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to preserve and protect the ancient stone structures in the region.
Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse