William Pitcher Farmstead HSR

METHODOLOGY
The testing project began with the removal of bricks, mortar and plaster samples on 14
November 2014. One brick sample was taken from each of the two chimneys (Room
105 and Room 207), one brick sample was taken from the each of the two areas that
had that material as wall nogging (Room 105 and Room 107); one chimney mortar
sample (Room 105) and one wall nogging mortar sample (Room 105); and twelve
plaster samples from various spots throughout the house.
RILEM Test 11. 4 One brick from near the top of the chimney at the north gable end
of Room 207 and one nogging brick from inside the east wall of Room 107 were
selected and removed. The RILEM tube was affixed to each brick in turn, sealed with
putty, and filled with water. At intervals up to one hour, data was collected reflecting
the absorption of water through capillary pathways in the brick.
Experiment 10: Penetration of Water One chimney brick from above the mantle in
Room 105 and one nogging brick from inside the wall in Room 105 were selected and
removed. Both bricks were placed on end in a pan of water and over the course of
three hours the rate of vertical absorption was recorded.
Mortar Analysis Samples of mortar were collected from the chimney of Room 105, and
from the between the wall nogging bricks of Room 105. The samples were tested
using the wet-chemical method: Each sample was crushed with a mortar and pestle and
digested in white vinegar and water. The samples were allowed to digest for 12 hours,
after which they were filtered using a funnel and paper filter. The fines and sand that
remained in the filter paper were dried on cookie sheets over the hot air vent in my
guest room for 24 hours. Samples were then sieved and weighed; proportions of
aggregate size were recorded and graphed.
Plaster Analysis Samples of plaster were collected from Rooms 102, 103, 105, 107,
201, 202, 203, 207. The samples were also tested using the wet-chemical method.