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April 2009
This is a follow-up of ongoing research at the IMS on the status of the Maya Lintel Beams Investigation Project (V.36-Is. 2) (Lintel Project for short). This study is now complete and has been recently updated with the last discoveries at Palenque and corrected with new data from Dzibilchaltun. It has now been published and is available for purchase. (Contact Marta Barber [siliobarber@bellsouth.net] for a copy). A verbal report was presented at the February 2009 meeting in Miami. In this presentation we were able to show the interesting variations in technology and temporal span that have been found across geographical areas.
In June 2007 (V.36-Is. 6), we started a new project to investigate Maya lime mortar mix. This project has actively begun with analysis of the first samples of mortar and plaster received.
In the meantime two new projects have started:
DZIBILCHALTUN FORENSIC ANALYSIS. At Dr. Ed Kurjack’s request, a complete analysis of primarily the Temple of the Seven Dolls is being conducted (past, present and future). This involves material testing, stress analysis and stability computations. Measurements and samples were obtained by Architect Rick Slazyk of Arcwerks Design (arcwerks@bellsouth.net); Dr. Ruben Maldonado and me (rod44@comcast.net) Drs. Kurjack and Maldonado have been involved in the investigation and restoration of Dzibilchaltún for a long time. Calculations will follow shortly.
STABILITY OF VAULTS. Similar to the Lintel Project, and utilizing some of the same raw data, the purpose of this project is to calculate and compare the mass stability and internal stresses of Maya vaults. Some of the a priori objectives are to learn about the actual stability of the so called "false arch" vs. real arching behavior. We will also take a look at the use – or need – of the so-called vault beams, which some experts believe were used to temporarily brace the vaults. (See Nov. V 37. Is. 11: Maya Vault “Poles.”) Calculations are well advanced and we should have results in a few months.
November 2009 - Research Progress Report
MAYA LINTELS. The analysis and investigation of Maya lintel beams is finished. It has been published and presented at Maya at the Playa.
MAYA LIME MORTAR MIXES. The analysis and investigation of Maya mortar mixes is currently on hold until samples have arrived.
DZIBILCHALTUN FORENSIC ANALYSIS. Forensic investigation of the Temple of the 7 Dolls, Dzibilchaltun, was just finished. Dr. Kurjack just finished the conclusions and they have been reviewed.
STABILITY OF VAULTS.
The stress and stability
calculations are
complete and so is the
write up. The
statistical analysis is
in progress and then a
conclusion must be
written.
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