Measurement of Crack Depth and Weathering Degree Using Ultrasonic Velocity and Deterioration Evaluation of the Unhyungung Stone Water Container

The Unhyungung Water Container in the possession of the Seoul Museum of History in Korea is consisted of a calcareous marble developed laminated bedding and numerous argillaceous veinlets. This monument should need to conservation treatment because of black discoloration and seriously numerous cracks. Vertical and horizontal cracks in the monument are developed following stratification and argillaceous veinlets that are relatively low coherence between the rock materials. We have proved that the material inducing discoloration on the surface is carbon which is formed by deposited organic matters. As the result of the ultrasonic measurements, although highly surface weathering degree, the physical properties of the Unhyungung Water Container is confirmed slightly weathered state. The depths of cracks in the monument are calculated at maximum 60mm in some cracks completely penetrating into the wall and at minimum 9mm in the other crack. The cracks, developed following veinlet, are revealed that there penetrate from an outer wall to an inside wall for the monument. And most depths of cracks, developed following stratification, are calculated 20 to 30mm. This result will offer a significant data for conservation of the Unhyungung Water Container.