Report on evaluation of historic wood (with plaster finish) in controlled periodic floodwater inundation conditions and drying periods

Abstract

Recognizing the threat that recurrent flooding and inundation poses to historic structures, Preservation Virginia (www.preservationvirginia.org) seeks to test traditional building materials for their resilience. The purpose of the testing is to inform our building stewardship strategies for properties that we own and which are highly vulnerable to flooding as a result of sea level rise and increased intensity of rain events. In addition, we will use this information and the findings to support our constituents and further our mission of education, outreach and advocacy.

Preservation Virginia will secure the services of the only lab dedicated to testing traditional materials and their performance in flood conditions. The Building Resilient Solutions ( www.brs.llc ) lab, located in Suffolk, Virginia, will utilize its flooding module for all testing.