Wat Phu, Laos
Sacred Temple Complex of Khmer Kings
A detailed sculpture carved directly into stone wall.
While a Site Management Plan has been prepared already by the Lao Government in collaboration with UNESCO, conservation plans are required for specific structures. As such, before any physical work on the structures can begin, a comprehensive study is to be completed to identify the most appropriate approach to monument preservation.
To this end, a preparatory study has been performed on Khmer construction techniques and characteristics of materials employed originally. The study successfully determined an adequate approach to an appropriate conservation project. Different new materials (sandstone, laterite, mortar, stainless steel, fiberglass, epoxy resin) to be used for the restoration, have been tested and analyzed in the Laboratory of Structural Engineering (UNI Polytechnic of Milano) before the intervention.
The compatibility of the new material with the ancient one will prevent future damages, which can decrease the durability of the structures and affect the original materials (as efflorescence, exfoliation and powdering of original stone, etc.).
The UNESCO Master Plan is now being updated (every five years) to include new villages in the 400-square-mile site as well as archaeological conservation priorities and technical specifications. The Master Plan guides both site conservation and surrounding urban development.
