Technical Course in Conservation and Restoration of Stone

The online course Conservation and restoration of stone systematizes the methods and procedures of intervention, exemplified with case studies.

This certified online course offers specialized training in the conservation and restoration of stone elements found in built heritage. Designed for professionals and students in the fields of heritage, architecture, civil engineering, and conservation-restoration, the course covers the main types of stone used in historical construction, degradation agents, diagnostic methodologies, and appropriate interventions aligned with preventive and remedial conservation principles.

Combining theoretical and practical content, the course explores:

• Characterization and identification of historical ornamental stones;

• Common pathologies and their causes;

• Traditional and modern techniques for cleaning, consolidation, and protection;

• Intervention criteria based on international standards (ICOMOS, ICCROM, etc.);

• Case studies and real-world applications in classified monuments.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained the skills to diagnose, plan, and implement sustainable interventions in stone heritage conservation, with historical sensitivity and technical precision.

An active method is used, illustrated with images and video tutorials of the various stages of intervention.

Language: English.

Also available in: Português | Español

Certified Online Course in Conservation and Restoration of Stone in Built Heritage

 

Learning objectives

You will learn the processes of alteration and systematize the methods and techniques of intervention in conservation and restoration of stone .

An active method is used, illustrated with images and video tutorials of the different phases of intervention.

At the end of this online certificated course on restoration of stone you will be able to recognize the main pathologies and their causes.

You will learn about internationally accepted ethical and deontological principles.

You will learn, through the analysis of real interventions carried out by conservation and restoration technicians , the methods, techniques and materials of intervention applicable in different situations.

The course price includes  lifetime 24/7 access to:

• Lessons for each program topic
• Tutorial videos
• Work instructions
• Case study analysis
• Evaluation (1 final quiz)
• Certificate.

Who should take the Certified Online Course in Conservation and Restoration of Stone in Built Heritage

How it works

Course structure – Certified Online Course in Stone Conservation and Restoration

Unit 1 – Conservation: concepts and principles

1.1. Concepts

1.2. Intervention process in restoration of stone

1.3. Key principles

1.4. Notes on integrated heritage and urban planning (includes a selection of the main charters and conventions on the subject)

Unit 2 – Types of stones

2.1. Rocks – what they are: definition and fundamental aspects

2.2. Types of stone and their characteristics

2.3. Stones most commonly used in heritage buildings and how to identify them

Unit 3 – Pathologies in natural stone

3.1. Introduction and glossary

3.2. Pathologies caused by human action

3.3. Pathologies caused by natural and environmental causes

3.4. Catastrophic damages

3.5. Pathologies in contemporary heritage

3.6. Survey of pathologies

Unit 4 – Cleaning methods

In this unit we will learn about the different stone cleaning methods, their characteristics, cleaning methodologies and ways of using them.

• Biological decolonisation
• Nebulisation
• Projection of aggregates with compressed air
• Laser
• Gommage
• Chemical cleaning

Includes a glossary of the technical characteristics of the products and materials most commonly used in stone restoration .

Unit 5 – Conservation and restoration of stone – intervention

In this unit we will systematise the various stages of intervention in stone restoration analysing the methods and processes.

• Consolidation
• Removal of non-functional elements
• Treatment of metal elements
• Treatment of joints, fissures and cracks
• Volumetric reconstitution
• Colour reintegration
• Structural restoration
• Final protection

Unit 6 – Preventive conservation

In this unit we will focus on the preventive conservation methodologies to be applied to stonework and built heritage.

• Preventive conservation in outdoor works
• Risk assessment
• Contingency plan
• Maintenance and monitoring

Unit 7 – Case studies

In this unit you can learn about practical cases of stone restoration

Different real-life situations are presented in which different conservation and restoration of stone methods have been applied

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