At 12:14 PM 4/11/97 -0500, you wrote:
> I am an archaeologist working with a landscape architecture team to create
>design guidelines for the conversion of a nineteenth century industrial
>archaeology site into a city heritage and recreational park. The site
>currently consists of a buried  waterpower canal and foundations of former
>mills. The foundations, which were not intended to be exposed to the
>elements, are made of a friable limestone and there is concern that exposing
>them will cause their further deterioration.
>
>Is anyone aware of conservation or treatment guidelines for ruins,
>especially limestone? Also, is anyone aware of similar types of sites that
>have been converted to parks? There will need to be vistor ammenities, such
>as railings, ramps etc. and I would be curious to know how others have dealt
>with these issues.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>Sigrid Arnott
>[log in to unmask]
>BRW inc.
>
 
 
 
I don't think there is any satisfactory way of preserving friable stone.
There are two main options 1) cover it over with a roof which slows
deterioration - though there may continue to be some problems 2) Build a
capping with new stone-this can be made distinctive enough so its not
mistaken for the original or, if possible, bury original and mark with gravel
or other material. Unfortunately the only real way of conserving stonework in
the long term is replacement with new stone. Try contacting English Heritage
who have masses of experience in sort of thing. Paul Courtney