A preliminary study of CIPS as a consolidant for earthen cultural materials

This study investigates the suitability of the Calcite In Situ Precipitation System (CIPS) as a consolidant for treating clay-rich earthen cultural materials. CIPS works through in situ crystallisation of the mineral cement calcite (CaCO₃) from an initially non-particulate, water-based, non-toxic solution of low viscosity, features that make this product a potential alternative to current treatment options. The study will assess the treatment by using the archaeological site at Butchers Gully, Australia, as a case study where CIPS was used to treat two rammed earth Chinese miners’ cottages.