A Study on Techniques for Preserving the Original Form of Modern Masonry Buildings - Focusing on the Efficacy of Consolidant Application on Bricks at Chilgok Gasil Catholic Church -
Modern masonry buildings are experiencing accelerated degradation due to inherent material limitations and adverse environmental factors. However, conventional physical replacement methods fundamentally undermine the historical authenticity of these heritage structures. This study quantitatively evaluates the preservation efficacy and field applicability of an ethyl silicate consolidant applied to weathered original bricks collected from the Chilgok Gasil Catholic Church. Initially, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the mineralogical stability of the consolidant application, as no swelling clay minerals, which could cause secondary expansion damage, were detected. Experimental results revealed that the application of vacuum impregnation allowed the consolidant to penetrate deeply into the bricks. This treatment demonstrated up to a 96.4% reduction in capillary water absorption and a remarkable 764% increase in compressive strength, thereby significantly improving both internal density and mechanical performance. Furthermore, non-destructive surface treatments (brushing and spraying), designed for practical field conditions where structural dismantling is impossible, successfully formed a stable silica gel network up to 7-8 mm below the surface. These methods proved highly effective for moisture blocking and surface strengthening. Although a temporary decrease in surface lightness due to the wetting effect was observed, the original color gradually recovered over the curing period. In conclusion, ethyl silicate consolidation serves as a highly effective and structurally reliable method for minimizing physical part replacement while preserving the historical authenticity of modern masonry buildings. Future field applications will require precise treatment guidelines accompanied by long-term color monitoring.