Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Classification of Factor Affecting External Wall Defects Focusing On Lime Material of Heritage Buildings in Penang, Malaysia
by Roslan Talib, A Ghafar Ahmad, Amirahtulaqilah M Sabri, and Mohd Zailan Suleiman

Abstract:
Awareness of the used of compatible and sustainable material in historical building conservation has resulted in the rebirth of lime technology and application. Then again, the knowledge of the preparation and procedure influencing the final quality of lime is still limited and disagreement regarding the conservation treatment still continues to exist among the conservator. The purposed of this paper is to highlight the current deterioration condition and suggests possible treatment focusing to external wall of selected heritage buildings in UNESCO's George Town Heritage City in the State of Penang, Malaysia. It is agreed within the Malaysian conservation works scenario, lime has been used on most part of the external wall and therefore this smart material will be the focus of the report. The study was conducted based on qualitative method, such as literature review, visual observation and interview. From the pilot survey of 85 historical buildings in Georgetown core zone, it has been found that lime has been used as a major based material for its external wall prime render material. However, the findings determine these external wall has noticeable defect causes by three main factors which are climatic charge, air pollution and maintenance issues. This study however will be focusing on lime material. Therefore, the paper hope to generate understanding on the lime usage to the conservator or for those within the construction industry thus the restoration for external wall can be established within the area.

Keywords: external wall; deterioration; lime treatment; heritage building; building conservation

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